Sebastian Neville is an independent filmmaker, cinematographer and producer of documentary films.

This website concentrates on Sebastian’s work in progress only.

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We also produce commercial films
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Jorge’s Children

For JORGE'S CHILDREN, we traveled to La Puna in the northern mountains of Argentina, searched for the Cayo family, and found Hermógenes Cayo’s three sons, 50 years after Jorge Prelorán shot this and many other films in the area between 1964 and 1969. 

Jorge’s Children

Synopsis:
Jorge's Children tracks the path of filmmaker Jorge Prelorán, a trailblazer in ethnographic cinema and the creator of ethnobiography. The film delves into his legacy through the reminiscences of characters from his works alongside filmmakers, historians, and relatives. The narrative unfolds as an adventure - partly planned, partly serendipitous - leading through towns and regions to pursue the final witnesses and survivors previously captured by the iconic filmmaker. It delves into Prelorán's triumphs, setbacks, industry opportunities, and the Eurocentric lens prevalent in America. At its core, the film grants a renewed voice to those individuals and communities that Prelorán once gave a platform, echoing his commitment to amplifying the voices of the voiceless. The film's producer is actively seeking financial support to complete this film.

Documentary film. HD/UHD – English / Spanish
Title: Jorge’s Children
Projected distribution: TBD
Cinematographer/Director/Editor: Sebastian Neville
 
Several interviews were shot in the north of Argentina, and many more were conducted via Zoom and other apps. We hope to finish the film by replacing some of those interviews with in-person filming, following Prelorán's steps in different regions of Argentina, Central America, and the US. 
We shot some footage in Upstate New York, near the Hudson River, with a small production crew that included a gigantic green screen, sandbags, and large stands, built and operated by four fantastic grips who battled the wind and made sure we got our shot of a Citroën driving by. The similarities in that terrain and the use of large green or blue screens allowed us to recreate the Argentinean Pampas in the 1970s, just minutes from New York’s Hudson! With a limited budget and before the AI revolution, it was possible to bring those moments to life. We also recreated Prelorán’s small apartment in Buenos Aires inside a home in Connecticut, USA.
Link to PDF

Piano Melodies from a Lighthouse

Shooting a time-lapse from inside my van for our documentary film project Piano Melodies from a Lighthouse. Some of the interviews for this short film in progress, were also part of another film I am woking on in 2026. 

Piano Melodies from a Lighthouse

Synopsis:

 Piano Melodies from a Lighthouse

Piano Melodies from a Lighthouse is a cinematic meditation on isolation, maritime legacy, and the enduring rhythm of the New England coast. Moving beyond the lighthouse as a mere structural beacon, the film embarks on a sensory search for the "poetry of the sea"—investigating how these isolated outposts were experienced through sound, stories, and the psyche of those who lived within them.
From the quiet, fog-drenched shores of Maine to the active, industrial waters of New Haven, Connecticut, the film weaves together the threads of history and folklore. It navigates the contrast between the romanticized legends of keepers driven to madness—such as the haunting tales of the Seguin Island piano—and the stark historical realities of the men who manned stations like the Southwest Ledge Lighthouse. Along the way, the film bridges the gap between the architects of the sea, such as the visionary Captain Charles Hervey Townshend, and the contemporary voices of poets, historians, and local residents who continue to listen to the coast today.
By juxtaposing archival records and oral histories with an observational study of wind, tide, and mechanical light, Piano Melodies from a Lighthouse seeks to recapture the auditory landscape of a century ago. It is an exploration of the spaces where history meets myth, asking what remains of the human spirit when the silence of the ocean is the only thing left to listen to.
Short film. 4K NTSC – English
Title: Piano Melodies from a Lighthouse
Projected distribution: Film festivals
Cinematographer/Director/Editor: Sebastian Neville
French filmmaker William Hure, a former colleague on this project, is interviewing New Haven residents taking some time off at the New Haven Lighthouse beach. 
While shooting around the Southwest Ledge Lighthouse, the crew takes a break from filming on Captain Robert Fecke's sailboat. 
 
 
 
Link to PDF

Tales of a Road

Researching in libraries and buying books are part of any filmmaker's work. Here, reviewing a book you can’t buy but can only see inside the New Haven library, about the mansion that gave its name to Townsend Avenue.

Tales of a Road

Stories from Townsend Avenue

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of New Haven as "Tales of a Road" uncovers the fascinating history of Townsend Avenue. Esteemed historians, passionate residents, and dedicated history enthusiasts delve into its origins. Trace the poignant struggles and remarkable resilience of the Quinnipiacs, the original inhabitants, and witness the fortifications of New Haven on July 5, 1779. Discover the present-day activism of Townsend Avenue's neighbors, who strive to preserve the community's essence. Gain a unique perspective from the director, an immigrant residing on Townsend Avenue for two decades, as he shares personal experiences and reflections. Immerse yourself in the captivating legacy of the influential Townshend family and their profound impact on the neighborhood. "Tales of a Road" is a heartfelt homage to the countless generations that have shaped Townsend Avenue, preserving its historical significance and inspiring future generations to cherish this vibrant community.

Full version of short film. HD/UHD – English
Title: Tales of a Road
Projected distribution: Film festivals
Cinematographer/Director/Editor: Sebastian Neville
The history of New Haven goes back to before 1638. Maps are late to the game, but they are the only documents left to show us how the people of the time advanced over the territory of the Quinnipiacs. 
Several years living crossing the street from a small field where people died, lived, and changed the history of this Country since before 1638, maybe ten thousand years before my home was there. 
Link to PDF

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