Abby Ellis is an American documentary filmmaker, journalist, editor, and cinematographer. In 2023, she was named to DOC NYC's "40 Under 40" list and won a Peabody Award.
Life and career Abby graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in film from the University of Utah in 2011 and has taught as an adjunct professor at the university. She began her career at VICE as an editor, where she developed, produced, and edited several of the network’s shows, including Vice (TV series) on HBO. She has contributed to PBS Frontline as a producer and director. She later served as Filmmaker-in-Residence at PBS, where she produced and directed three films. Prior to that, she developed and produced a six-part series on inequality in America Divided alongside Norman Lear, Shonda Rhimes, and Common.
Abby’s Frontline directing credits include Flint’s Deadly Water (2019) and Shots Fired (2021). In 2022, she earned her a nomination for the Livingston Award. Her 2026 feature documentary, The Lake (2026), premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it received the Special Jury Prize. Selected filmography YearTitle Contribution Note 2016 America Divided Producer 5 Episodes 2017 American Patriot Producer Documentary 2019 Flint’s Deadly Water Director and writer Documentary 2021 Shots Fired Director, writer, cinematographer and producer Documentary 2026 The Lake Director, editor, cinematographer and producer Documentary Awards and nominations YearResultAwardCategoryWorkRef.2020 WonScripps Howard AwardsNational/International CoverageFlint’s Deadly Water NominatedNews and Documentary Emmy AwardsOutstanding Investigative Documentary2026 WonSundance Film FestivalU.S. Documentary Special Jury AwardThe Lake
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