The intersection of filmmaking and medicine has long been regarded as an essential tool for educating professionals, patients, and the general public. Through documentary storytelling, filmmakers have often shed light on critical healthcare advancements, patient experiences, and the evolution of medical practices. This specialized field requires a keen ability to translate complex medical knowledge into accessible narratives. Among those who have made notable strides in this space is Peter Sanders, a filmmaker known for his work in both historical and medical documentaries. With a career spanning several decades, Sanders has demonstrated a consistent ability to blend human stories with historical and scientific accuracy. His contributions to medical and educational filmmaking, particularly through his collaborations with NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, highlight a lesser-explored aspect of his work.
Sanders has played a key role in advancing medical storytelling in his productions at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital. He directed and produced 35 short films for the hospital, each of which was designed to inform and educate medical staff and the general public about different aspects of orthopedic care. These films function as educational resources that offer insights into surgery, patient life, and medical innovation in orthopedic treatment. Unlike traditional medical training videos, Sanders’ method incorporates personal stories, making the subject matter more engaging and human. His skill in humanizing medical subjects without sacrificing scientific accuracy highlights his range as a filmmaker.
In addition to these short films, Sanders was also involved in On the Shoulders of Giants: The History of NYU Langone Orthopedics (2024). This 60-minute independent documentary film chronicles the institution’s contributions to the practice of medicine. While the short films focus on educational applications, this documentary serves as a historical retelling, charting the evolution of orthopedic medicine and the advancements associated with NYU Langone. The documentary presents an in-depth look at the hospital’s legacy, featuring interviews with top medical authorities, archival content, and discussions of innovative surgical procedures. By presenting On the Shoulders of Giants as an independent work separate from the short-form productions, Sanders has demonstrated his ability to work across a range of story formats while maintaining a cohesive narrative approach.
Sanders’ filmmaking extends beyond institutional recognition. His films have been well-received in the wider film community, particularly through festival screenings. Focusing on the intersection of art and commerce, these festivals provided a platform for Sanders’ work to be seen alongside more traditional narratives and documentaries.
Previously recognized for historical and biographical documentaries like The Disappeared (2008) and Altina (2014), he has adapted his storytelling style to accommodate new material. The Disappeared addressed the tragic legacy of Argentina’s Dirty War, and Altina examined his grandmother’s life as an artist and inventor, Altina Schinasi. His medical-focused endeavors represent a shift toward service-based storytelling. By exploring advances in orthopedic medicine, Sanders has demonstrated a commitment to filmmaking that not only educates but also fulfills a practical role in medical education.
While many medical documentaries tend to be either too sensationalized or overly serious, Sanders’ work manages to strike a balance between informative and emotionally engaging—a delicate achievement in instructional filmmaking. His documentaries help bridge the gap between doctors and the public, fostering a greater appreciation of the complexity of orthopedic care.
The use of documentary filmmaking in medical education is growing, with a rising number of institutions recognizing the potential of visual storytelling as a means of training and public outreach. Sanders’ films are part of this movement, illustrating how film can contribute to medical knowledge and awareness. His efforts at NYU Langone may serve as a model for other institutions seeking to integrate documentary narratives into training programs. As medical technology continues to evolve and patient advocacy gains prominence in healthcare narratives, the demand for well-crafted medical documentaries is likely to increase. Sanders’ approach offers one perspective on how these stories can be effectively told.
By using documentary filmmaking as an educational resource, he has helped make medical concepts more accessible and engaging to a broader audience. Professionals and the general public alike can benefit from his efforts. His recognition at festivals like Tribeca X further cements his reputation as a filmmaker who bridges artistic storytelling and practical, real-world education.
Peter Sanders’ work with NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital illustrates his versatility and commitment to using film as an educational and historical preservation tool. As medical documentary filmmaking evolves, Sanders’ work may well continue to serve as a valuable reference point for filmmakers exploring related fields of study.
