Max Hechtman

Max Hechtman in 2025.

Max Bennett Hechtman (born April 26, 1997) is an American filmmaker, video editor and videographer. A graduate of the Film and Media Program at the Fashion Institute of Technology, he is known for his work on narrative and documentary films that explore social issues and human resilience. These include the documentary Stories of Strength and Hope: Preventing Youth Suicide (2018) and the short film Abigail (2019).

Quotes

• Despite everything that's happening, art is still here, It's still alive, but in a way that accommodates what we're facing.
  • "East Meadow filmmaker documents a new form of music theater" Long Island Herald (December 15, 2020)

• It’s your imagination that becomes your superpower. Use it to come up with new ways and ideas to create work that could resonate with others.
  • "East Meadow filmmaker documents a new form of music theater" Long Island Herald (December 15, 2020)

• I hope to take what I see and introduce it to a wider audience, hearing songs that relate to a story with true messages and themes and even learn about the past so no one makes the same mistake again.
  • "'The Real Deal: A look through the lens of a young Long Island filmmaker" YourNews Mag (2019)

• It [filmmaking] makes me feel like I'm able to bring stories to life, so it feels like you're there, It gives perspectives they've never seen before.
  • "Local student shoots film at Herald offices" Long Island Herald (August 27, 2015)

Drive Music Media interview (2025)

"MAX HECHTMAN: Filmmaking Is My Way Of Connecting With Others And Showing Them They Aren’t Alone" Drive Music Media (July 8, 2025)

• When casting, I look for actors who not only can bring the characters to life, but also add a sense of realism to their performance — I want the raw emotion to feel authentic. Think of it as if we are watching real people react to the world around them.

• Art has the power to heal and inspire, and I want my films to ultimately lead to positive outcomes and a greater sense of understanding. This matters to me because through most of my life, I’ve faced many obstacles and challenges, and filmmaking is my way of connecting with others and showing them they aren’t alone. As I continue to learn and expand upon my craft, my goal is to fulfill this mission in every project and inspire other emerging filmmakers to do the same.

• I want to go deep beneath the surface of a subject, visually depict its core meaning, and express that understanding through a cinematic combination of intentional visuals, music, editing, and captivating performances.

• It’s all about revealing a deeper truth and not just showing events as they would normally happen.

About Max Hechtman

• We try to encourage students to run with whatever they're passionate about. Sometimes it's a more personal film, sometimes it's a personal narrative. With Max, it's a topic that he felt was really important to him and he’s seen in other media and really wanted to explore in this format.
  • Josh Koury on Hechtman's making of the short documentary Stories of Strength and Hope: Preventing Youth Suicide (2018)
  • "E.M. filmmaker tackles youth suicide in his next documentary" Long Island Herald (July 26, 2018)

External links

• Max Hechtman on IMDb