Sachi Cunningham

Documentary Filmmaker, Multimedia Journalist and Professor

Sachi Cunningham is an accomplished filmmaker, water surf photographer, and Associate Professor of Multimedia Journalism at San Francisco State University.1 2 Her career has been marked by diverse experiences and notable achievements:

Professional Background

Cunningham holds a B.A. from Brown University and a Master of Journalism from UC Berkeley.1 Her career path has been varied and impressive:

She worked in Hollywood, including as an assistant to Barry Levinson and Demi Moore.2
She was a producer and director of photography at PBS Frontline/World.2
Cunningham launched the first video team at the Los Angeles Times, where she covered global news events.1 2

Filmmaking and Photography

Cunningham is renowned for her work in surf photography and documentary filmmaking:

She specializes in big wave surf photography, often swimming in waves up to 60 feet high with heavy camera equipment.2
Her work has been featured in major publications like the New York Times, Outside magazine, and Surfer magazine.2
Cunningham co-directed "Crutch," a feature-length documentary now streaming on Discovery+.2
She is currently working on "SheChange," a documentary about the women's big-wave movement and gender equity in surfing.2

Academic Career

As an Associate Professor at San Francisco State University, Cunningham teaches multimedia journalism.1 4 She brings her extensive field experience to the classroom, emphasizing the importance of finding one's unique strengths in journalism.3

Personal Life and Advocacy

Cunningham is a mental health advocate and cancer survivor.1 Her personal experiences, including being diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder and losing her mother to cancer, have influenced her work and perspective.2 She lives in San Francisco with her husband and daughter.1

Cunningham's work often focuses on social justice issues, particularly those related to race, class, and gender.3 She uses her photography and filmmaking as tools for social change, especially in promoting gender equity in big wave surfing.2 3