David Usui

Roles: Director

David Usui is a director and cinematographer based in Brooklyn, NY. His work, which has been featured in The NY Times, The New Yorker PBS, ITVS, and The Atlantic, reflects a commitment to storytelling that is both intimate and expansive. David’s collaboration with the legendary Albert Maysles on In Transit premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was awarded the Special Jury Prize for Best Feature Documentary.

In 2009, he co-founded Lost & Found Films, a production company creating documentary and commercial content for brands, NGOs, and broadcasters. David’s background in philosophy and environmental studies, at Western Washington University, has deeply informed his work, blending thoughtfulness with a keen eye for the environments in which his stories unfold. As an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, David has imparted this vision to his students, guiding them to explore the world with curiosity and compassion.

2025 Program(s):
Been Here Stay Here