Andrew Berends was an accomplished American documentary filmmaker and photographer, whose life was marked by a remarkable career and a profound struggle with personal challenges.
Born to Polly Berrien and Jan Berends, Andrew's early years laid the foundation for his future pursuits. After completing his high school education, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in film studies from the esteemed Wesleyan University in 1994.
As he began his professional journey, Andrew pursued a career in film-editing for advertising firms, while simultaneously honing his skills as a documentary filmmaker, director, and photographer. His talents were in high demand, as he worked on numerous projects for a variety of filmmakers and non-governmental organizations, capturing the essence of his subjects on locations around the world.
Despite facing significant personal struggles, including bouts of serious depression, Andrew persevered, driven by his passion for storytelling and his unwavering commitment to his craft. However, a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in recent years, combined with other life circumstances, ultimately led Andrew to make the difficult decision to take his own life.
