Meet Gabe Van Lelyveld

Meet Gabe Van Lelyveld: Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker and Storyteller

Gabe Van Lelyveld is a celebrated visual storyteller with a passion for bringing real-life struggles and triumphs to the screen. With a B.A. in American History and Political Economics, Gabe’s work in documentary film is driven by his desire to illuminate the human condition, touching on issues of social justice, addiction, and resilience.

Gabe’s films have garnered accolades at film festivals around the globe, including the prestigious Portland International Film Festival, where his 2015 feature Mandarose won Best Narrative Feature. As an alumnus of the Port Townsend Film Festival and founder of Whaleheart Productions, a full-service video production company in Port Townsend, Gabe is committed to using film as a powerful medium for change.

Currently, Gabe is in post-production on his latest project, Damian & Michael, a feature documentary that tells the poignant story of two men battling addiction, homelessness, and personal demons. Damian, an aspiring comedian and spiritual healer, struggles to find stability, while Michael, an advocate for recovery, draws on his lived experience to fight for a better life. Filmed over three years, this intimate portrayal sheds light on the humanity behind the challenges of addiction and homelessness, offering audiences a raw, relationship-centered narrative with a message of hope and perseverance.

Damian & Michael is set for completion in Spring 2025 and is poised to change the way audiences view these critical issues, sparking conversations about compassion and connection.

Studium Generale East Speaker Series, 2024-2025

Peninsula College, Port Townsend Campus, Fort Worden
202 Eisenhower Ave., Port Townsend WA

Every First Thursday of the Month, November 2024–June, 2025, 6:00-7:30 pm
Free and open to the Public. All are welcome!

Curated to inspire and elevate the ideas of the students and inhabitants of East Jefferson County. Please join us for this innovative program.