About

Stephen Sowers is a documentary filmmaker based in New York. He helps directors and producers bring historical stories to the screen through thoughtful research and deep historical insight. With expertise in archival materials and strong relationships with universities and institutions worldwide, he uncovers the footage, photographs, and documents that shape compelling, visually driven narratives. Directors rely on his ability to connect history with story—delivering both creative perspective and research precision.

Stephen’s credits include archival producing, associate producing, and research work on a range of historical and cultural projects for PBS, ESPN, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. His projects have covered major events of the 20th Century through modern day on topics ranging from the impact of sports on society, American Wars from WWII to present, and major figures including Billy Graham and Helen Keller. 

He is currently directing and producing a feature-length documentary about six Black West Point graduates and their enduring friendship in the shadow of the U.S. War on Terror, slated for completion in 2025.

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A native of Columbia, Maryland, Stephen began making films at an early age—including a childhood sequel to Free Willy, shot with an inflatable killer whale on a beach vacation. By high school, he had shifted his focus from playing linebacker on the football field to co-directing a 30-minute documentary about the team.

Stephen studied Communication with a concentration in Film Studies and a minor in History at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. During college, he gained hands-on experience  working at the university’s television station and through an internship at Rough House Pictures in Los Angeles. 

After graduating, he began his career as a production assistant on David Gordon Green’s feature film Prince Avalanche. He then combined his passion for storytelling and history as a researcher and production associate on The Vietnam War, the 10-part documentary series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. This marked the start of over a decade of work in documentary filmmaking.