Jeff Kaufman is now filming a new feature documentary on sustainable development and educational opportunity in Haiti, seen through the life and work of economic visionary Father Joseph Philippe - a remarkable man who has lifted the lives of thousands of people.

Kaufman has produced / directed ten documentaries for Amnesty International, including a short film that launched Amnesty's Maternal Mortality campaign, one that introduced a human rights youth mentoring fellowship with New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, and a new film on the systematic persecution of the Baha'is in Iran (Education Under Fire).

He also recently finished a feature documentary about drummer - bandleader Chick Webb, Ella Fitzgerald, and Harlem's Savoy Ballroom. The Savoy King features the voices of Bill Cosby, Janet Jackson, Andy Garcia, John Legend, Jeff Goldblum, and Billy Crystal, among others. Film critic Leonard Maltin wrote, "I loved every minute of The Savoy King." 

In 2010, Kaufman produced-directed Free Shane and Josh: An Urgent Plea For Compassion, on behalf of Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, who were unjustly imprisoned in Iran's Evin Prison for over two years.

In addition, Kaufman produced / directed the feature documentary Brush With Life: The Art of Being Edward Biberman.  Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of The United States, wrote, “Brush With Life is fascinating . . . I was totally captivated by this film.”  He has also produced, written, and/or directed programs for The Discovery Channel (including a special on the World Trade Center Recovery effort), The History Channel, The Learning Channel, and a documentary on the history of the series COPS.  He also produced a video on behalf of Iranian-American political prisoner Haleh Esfandiari (featuring Tyne Daly), the bio-film for the Howard Dean presidential campaign, and a pro bono film for the Lower 9th Ward Health Clinic in New Orleans. 

Prior to his documentary work, Kaufman hosted-produced daily political/cultural talk radio programs in Los Angeles and Vermont; contributed cartoons to The New Yorker and illustrations to The Los Angeles Times and The New York Times; wrote and illustrated several children’s books; and exhibited paintings in a number of galleries.

Jeff Kaufman | Los Angeles, CA | 323-401-7266 | jeff@savoyking.com