As the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival gears up for its twelfth year of production, the team is excited to welcome local filmmaker Andy Mitchell as Managing Producer. Beginning June 8th, Mitchell will bring fresh insight, energy and passion to this new role.
An alum of Middlebury College, Mitchell has called Middlebury home since 2004–raising a family here alongside his wife Lisa Mitchell, another outstanding member of Middlebury’s art scene.
As a filmmaker, Mitchell has worn many hats, including director and writer, as well as cinematographer and underwater cameraman. His work can be found on sites such as Netflix, National Geographic, Disney+ and BBC, with titles including: Yo, Love is a Rebellious Bird, Secrets of the Whales, and Penguin Town. Well known for his work in the wild, Mitchell has been awarded four Emmys and, in 2026, a Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution at the 2026 Berlinale International Film Festival.
While Mitchell has led an extensive, global career (one that has drawn him to all seven continents and five oceans), he has never failed to give back to the local community here in Middlebury. A fierce ally of the arts, Mitchell co-founded Middlebury Underground, a non-profit whose flagship event, Foodaroo, welcomes thousands of people to Middlebury each year.
As a filmmaker, Mitchell brings industry experience and insight to MNFF, along with his creative and community oriented ethos. When asked about what the Festival means to him, he commented on his commitment to emerging filmmakers and the showcasing of their work.
“MNFF has always represented something I care about deeply — providing new
filmmakers an outstanding platform to showcase their work and network with others at
the outset of their film careers. Continuing that tradition, and embracing
MNFF’s amazing community of supporters, many of whom are friends and neighbors in
the town I’ve called home for over two decades, feels like a natural and exciting next
chapter.”
