Susan Kaplan Pro

Susan Kaplan is a producer, programmer, and community builder with over three decades of experience in documentary film, and more recently, in theatre and podcasting. She is the founder of DocuClub, a pioneering nonprofit that supports filmmakers through work-in-progress screenings, feedback sessions, and community events. Under her leadership, DocuClub expanded nationally, partnered with major festivals, and hosted events at MoMA and the IFC Center, setting a lasting model for peer-driven creative collaboration.

As President of Hibiscus Films, Kaplan has directed and produced award-winning documentaries, including the Oscar-nominated Small Wonders and its feature adaptation Music of the Heart. Her work, including Three of Hearts: A Post Modern Family, has aired on Sundance and Bravo and screened at over 100 film festivals worldwide.

Since 2022, she has co-led a bi-monthly work-in-progress series for The D-Word, a global online community for documentary professionals. She’s also an active member of Producing Toward Equity through the Documentary Producers Alliance, advancing equity and inclusion in the industry.

Kaplan continues to champion personal storytelling that drives social change. With a foundation in film, audio, and live production – and a passion for building creative ecosystems – she remains dedicated to storytelling that informs, inspires, and connects.