Areas of Research/Artistic Focus: Documentary filmmaking, color grading, disability in film, video installation art, interactive documentary

Heather Cassano is a documentary film and media artist working at the intersection of observational and poetic documentary. Her work frames narratives through her personal experiences, exploring the idea of “otherness” as it relates to mental health, disability, and established social norms. She has presented work in the form of documentary films and multi-channel video installations. Heather’s first feature documentary THE LIMITS OF MY WORLD (2018) screened at numerous festivals across the U.S. and internationally, winning three Best Documentary awards and a Jury Prize. She is now working on her second feature documentary THE FATE OF HUMAN BEINGS, which has been supported by the Points North Institute, LEF Foundation, UnionDocs, Massachusetts Humanities, and the Center for Independent Documentary. 

When she is not directing, Heather works as a colorist and editor on independent films. Her post-production credits include OYATE (Big Sky, 2017), JONAH STANDS UP (New Orleans, 2016), DEAR GEORGINA (Big Sky, 2020), and ᎤᏕᏲᏅ (Sundance, 2022). 

Selected awards, residencies, and film festivals: 

— Blue Mountain Center Artist Residency, 2022

— UConn School of Fine Arts Research Grant, 2021

— Looky Looky Pictures Guided Impact Campaign Fellowship, 2021

— UnionDocs Summer Documentary Labs, 2020

— LEF Foundation Moving Image Fund, 2019

— Jury Prize, Alameda International Film Festival, 2018

— Best Documentary Feature, Venice Film Week

— Best Documentary, Massachusetts Independent Film Festival

— Best Documentary Feature, Somerville International Film Festival

— Official Selection, Independent Film Festival Boston, 2018

— Official Selection, Viewpoint Documentary Film Festival, 2018

— Official Selection, Awareness Film Festival, 2018

— Official Selection, Orlando Film Festival, 2018