Sara is an American cinematographer known for an emotionally resonant, poetic naturalism. She loves the challenge of finding new ways to bring complex stories to the screen.
She has shot for HBO, National Geographic, Vice News, Showtime, Channel4, and Disney on issues such as political conflict, women’s rights, wildlife conservation, gender identity, and the intersection of art and technology. She is attracted to stories about marginalized cultures and visionary outsiders.
She has a BFA from Pratt Institute, and an MFA in cinematography from the American Film Institute Conservatory, where she was mentored by Steven Lighthill ASC, Sandra Valde-Hansen ASC, and Jacek Jaksus ASC.
She is a member of the Television Academy, the Society of Camera Operators, is a UAS pilot (FAA-107 certified), a phantom technician, and enjoys shooting underwater (PADI certified diver).
The feature-length documentary The Stroll premiered at Sundance 2023 and won the special jury prize for ‘Clarity of Vision’. It was released on HBO this June, and is currently streaming on Max.
Season two of The World According to Jeff Goldblum, which she shot for National Geographic, was nominated for an Emmy.
Her work has screened at Sundance, TriBeCa, SXSW, The Cannes Short Film Corner, and festivals all over the world.
| PRESS |
FILMMAKER MAGAZINE : DP Sara Kinney on The Stroll
INDIEWIRE : Sundance 2023 Cinematography Survey
SHOUTOUT LA : Meet Sara Kinney | Cinematographer
THE NEW YORK TIMES : The Stroll’ Review: Telling Their Own Stories
NO FILM SCHOOL : The Best Advice From This Year’s Sundance Filmmakers
NYWIFT : Kathryn O‘Kane on The Emmys, Jeff Goldblum, and the Challenges of Pandemic Productions
