David Midell

Biography

David Midell is an Independent Spirit and NAACP Image Award-nominated filmmaker known for his work exploring the lives of vulnerable individuals and challenging societal perceptions. His career is marked by a deep commitment to storytelling that sheds light on important social issues, often drawing from his background as a therapist for children and adults with disabilities.

Early Life and Career Influences: Before embarking on his filmmaking journey, David Midell worked as a teacher and therapist for children and adults with autism and other cognitive and mental health challenges in Chicago. This experience profoundly shaped his perspective and fueled his desire to address how society treats its most vulnerable citizens. As a filmmaker on the autism spectrum himself, Midell brings a unique and empathetic lens to his projects. His work often asks critical questions about disabilities and mental health challenges.

Filmmaking Journey and Notable Works:

• "NightLights" (2014): Midell's feature directorial debut, "NightLights," explored the experiences of a brother and sister with autism as they navigate life's challenges and triumphs. The film received critical acclaim, premiering in theaters and later on the Lifetime Movie Network in 2015, and earning numerous awards, including a Prism Award from the Entertainment Industries Council.

• "The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain" (2019): This critically acclaimed film brought significant attention to Midell's work. It tells the true story of the events leading to the death of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., an elderly African American former Marine with bipolar disorder, during a conflict with police officers in his home. The film, starring Tony Award nominee Frankie Faison and Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose, and executive produced by Lori McCreary, Gary Lucchesi, and Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman, was released theatrically in late 2021. 
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• It garnered widespread recognition, appearing on nearly two dozen critics' yearly top ten lists. Frankie Faison's performance earned him a Gotham Award for Outstanding Lead Performance, and the film received multiple Independent Spirit Award nominations and an NAACP Image Award nomination. Midell has spoken about how his experience in crisis management, gained during his time as a therapist, informed his approach to this sensitive and powerful story.

• "The Ritual" (2025): Midell's upcoming film, "The Ritual," is based on the true story of a highly publicized exorcism in American history. Set to be released in summer 2025, the film features a notable cast including Academy Award winner Al Pacino, Dan Stevens, Patricia Heaton, Patrick Fabian, Ashley Greene, and Abigail Cowen. The premise involves two priests, one in a crisis of faith and the other grappling with a troubled past, who must overcome their differences to perform a series of dangerous exorcisms on a possessed young woman.
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David Midell's filmography also includes the short film "By Any Other Name" (2010), and he has also been involved in producing other projects such as "Forever Mine" (2022) and the TV series "Grounded" (2022). His work consistently demonstrates a commitment to authentic storytelling and a desire to give voice to those often marginalized or misunderstood.