Aaron Kaufman, the Emmy-nominated director of documentary “Superpower,” which chronicled Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky and the country’s fight for freedom, has died. He was 51.
Kaufman died Oct. 17 in Las Vegas of an apparent heart attack, Verdi Productions President Chad Verdi told The Hollywood Reporter.
“It’s a very sad time for everyone who loved Aaron,” Verdi told THR. “Aaron passed away Thursday night. He and I spoke by phone about 20 minutes prior to 911 being called. He was in great spirits and was headed to dinner. Life is short and family and friends are everything. I miss him a lot already.”
Kaufman partnered with Academy Award-winning actor Sean Penn to make “Superpower,” a Paramount+ documentary about the Ukraine war, which he began directing on the ground in Kyiv in February 2022. “Superpower” received a News & Documentary Emmy nomination in the category of Outstanding Politics and Government Documentary
In addition to “Superpower,” Kaufman directed a number of films including “Urge,” starring Pierce Brosnan, and “Crusaders Ex Jehovah’s Witnesses Speak Out.” He was also a longtime producer for director Robert Rodriguez, and served as a producer for “Machete” and “Machete Kills,” starring Danny Trejo, Mel Gibson and Michelle Rodriguez; “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For;” “Flock of Dudes;” and Junction.” Kaufman was also executive producer of “Spread,” “The Greatest,” “Powder Blue,” “Allswell in New York” and “Johnny & Clyde.”
Kaufman is survived by his partner, Kea, his three children, his mother, brother and sister.