Alan Brain is an award-winning film and video editor and documentary director with a diverse portfolio spanning social media content, corporate videos, commercials, documentaries, and feature films.
His work has been featured at prestigious festivals including DOC NYC and the Pan-African Film Festival in Cannes.His compelling narratives have resonated with audiences worldwide, leading to collaborations with renowned organizations like the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Al Jazeera. Alan's expertise has also been sought by global brands such as Google and Nestlé, national entities like The Tourism Promotion Board of Peru, and prominent organizations including the American Sociological Association, AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), and WETA.
Based in Northern Virginia, Alan serves clients worldwide and is available for select documentary and commercial projects.
Empowering voices and visions through compelling video storytelling, Alan approaches each project with empathy and respect for the craft.With expertise across the Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, Photoshop), Final Cut X, Avid Media Composer, Waves Audio Suite, Topaz Video, and AI-powered editing tools, Alan brings meticulous attention to detail to every project. His comprehensive skill set in editing, motion graphics, and sound design further elevates his work's visual and auditory impact.
Alan's latest feature documentary, 'The Rumba Kings,' was selected as one of the best foreign films of 2021 by The Guardian and garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards, with coverage in Rolling Stone, TVE (Spain), and TV5 (France), where Alan was interviewed live in prime-time news at their Paris studio:
- Best Documentary - Doc'n Roll Film Festival, London (2021)
- Best Diaspora Documentary - African Movie Academy Awards (2022)
- Best Music Documentary - Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (2021)
- Best Feature-Length Documentary - Pan-African Film Festival, Cannes (2021)
What drives your commitment to social impact storytelling?
I've always been drawn to projects that amplify marginalized voices and challenge oppression—from documenting human rights for the United Nations, to exploring systemic inequality with the American Sociological Association, to creating The Rumba Kings, showing how music helped the Congolese forge resilience and cultural independence. Art begins with a thought about the need for change. As Amiri Baraka said, "To revere art and have no understanding of the process that forces it into existence, is finally not even to understand what art is."
Does music and sound play a special role in your work?
I'm a passionate music lover in constant search for the ultimate emotional connection through sound. The idea that music can bring hope and help people overcome oppression drove me to create the documentary film The Rumba Kings. But my connection with sound goes beyond directing or editing. For many years, I've worked hands-on with tube amplifiers, modifying circuits and designing audio components, to understand in detail how sound translates emotion.
Do you work remotely?
Yes, I collaborate with clients worldwide remotely and also work with clients in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC area for in-person projects.
What software and tools do you use?
I work with the full Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, Photoshop), Final Cut X, Avid Media Composer, Waves Audio Suite, Topaz Video, and various AI-powered editing tools.
What languages do you speak?
English and Spanish (native fluency), and French (working proficiency). I've edited numerous French-language projects including the award-winning documentary 'The Rumba Kings.'
What's your typical response time?
I respond to project inquiries within 24-48 hours.
What types of projects do you take on?
I'm available for select freelance projects including documentaries, commercials, corporate videos, and social media content for NGOs, nonprofits, educational institutions, and mission-driven organizations. I'm particularly drawn to projects that tell compelling stories and create social impact.
