bio

In his 16 years as a filmmaker, Kiern has directed dozens of short narratives, six music videos, and five documentaries. His work has aired on network and cable television. Six of his films have premiered at film festivals.

At age 17, his short “Belleau Wood” won an award from the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts. The following year, he was awarded $10,000 by Tommy Hilfiger for directing a short film about his grandfather’s love of America.

His first foray into documentaries, ‘Journey to Fame’ followed Sony recording artist Ashley Monroe’s attempts at landing a record deal.

His short documentary “Behind the Scenes with the Apostles of Comedy,” offers an intimate glimpse of four Christian comedians, and how their faith effects their lives. The film is featured on the “Apostles of Comedy” DVD, released by First Look Studios.

In 2008, he completed a long-form commercial for the Olympic Parade “Light the World,” featuring Amy Grant and TobyMac. Later that year, he directed a comedic short for Universal Records starring Lee Ann Womack.

DAVID KIERN BIO

In 2009, Kiern produced “Strike of ’68: The Final Work of Martin Luther King” with documentary filmmaker Jane Folk. The film tells the story of the Memphis Sanitation Strike of 1968, which was the last civil rights cause Martin Luther King fought for. The premiere was held in in Memphis, TN.

In 2009, Kiern and long-time mentor Mitchell Galin founded Epiphany Pictures, a film company focused on stories that revolve around adventure, humanitarian issues, political issues in which personal faith plays a integral role. Their first release under this banner was “Journey to Everest,” directed by Kiern. “Everest” has aired on TBN, NRB Network, BUYtv, The Worship Network, been shown in over 300 churches, was nominated for Best Documentary at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, and has raised over $100K for worldwide ministries.

In 2010, Kiern and Galin produced “Honoring a Father’s Dream: Sons of Lwala,” directed by Barry Simmons. “Lwala” tells the true story of two African brothers who come to the U.S. to become doctors, then return to their village in Kenya to build a health clinic. “Lwala” has run on The Halogen Network, TBN, and recently won Best Documentary at the Attic Film Festival.

In late 2010/early 2011, Kiern served as the editor for the Hallmark/Sony film, “The Shunning,” directed by Michael Landon Jr. He then moved on to co-edit Landon’s next film, “Jamaa,” a film shot in Uganda which World Vision International is releasing in 2011.

David then worked with longtime friend Ryan Smith, and edited Smith’s feature film debut, “After.” The film will be released in theaters in early 2012.

Kiern produced and edited “The Memphis 13,” a film telling the story of the first 13 black children who were integrated into the white city schools in Memphis. The film premiered at the National Civil Rights Museum in October, 2011, and will air on PBS in February, 2012.

Epiphany Documentary Films currently has an active slate of projects in development, including three new adventure/faith documentaries.

Kiern is also an accomplished editor and cameraman. Some of these credits include; ABC Family’s “Dear Santa”; Bono’s ONE Campaign; Sean Hannity’s Freedom Concerts; MTV TV pilot, featuring Young Buck; NFL Halftime Show, featuring the United States Marines; and a comedy special for James Gregory. He has performed filmmaking services for Big Idea/VeggieTales, EMI Music, Integrity Film, Gaylord, and Lifeway. Kiern has worked on concert films for Jars of Clay, Third Day, Rebecca St. James, Newsong, and Michael W. Smith.

David lives with his beautiful wife Natalie, in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Contact David via dkiern@yahoo.com