Role: Cinematographer
Distributor: National Geographic Documentary Films, NEON
Production Company: Our Time Projects, Participant Media

With exclusive access inside one of New York's hardest hit hospital systems during the first four months of the pandemic, THE FIRST WAVE spotlights the everyday heroes at the epicenter of COVID-19 as they come together to fight one of the greatest health crises the world has ever faced. For this project, I shot handheld in full PPE inside active COVID wards and ICUs over four months during the height of the pandemic. The film was theatrically distributed by NEON and is currently streaming on Hulu.

Winner, Outstanding Cinematography: Documentary — 43rd News & Documentary Emmy Awards. The film also won Emmys for Best Documentary and Outstanding Editing, and was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Reviews

“MIRACULOUS…A courageous and astonishing cinematic time capsule”
- Variety

“A breathtaking testament to the fight to live, the calling to heal, and the power of human connection”
- THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

“A concentrated and intimate look at the bottomless, unimaginable depths of loss as well as the indefatigable reservoir of hope that sustains humanity during its darkest moments”
- THE WRAP

“Harrowing … Extraordinary. Heineman is offering a public service by reminding us of the worst of days, but still offering hope of a way out — as long as we heed the warnings. The more opportunities to see it, the better.”
- DEADLINE