The First Wave
“Four months, New York City, 2020.”
Synopsis
When Covid-19 hit New York City in 2020, filmmaker Matthew Heineman gained unique access to one of New York’s hardest-hit hospital systems. The resulting film focuses on the doctors, nurses, and patients on the frontlines during the “first wave” from March to June 2020. Their distinct storylines each serve as a microcosm to understand how the city persevered through the worst pandemic in a century
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2021-11-04
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
BFI London Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
November 19, 2021
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$61K
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Matthew Heineman
- Original Score
- H. Scott Salinas, Jon Batiste
- Original Title
- The First Wave
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 34m
- Worldwide Gross
- $61K
- Production Studios
- National Geographic, Our Time Projects, Participant, National Geographic Documentary Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Matthew Heineman
H. Scott Salinas, Jon Batiste
Matthew Heineman, Thorsten Thielow
David Zieff, Matthew Heineman, Francisco Bello
Alex Gibney, Maiken Baird, Matthew Heineman, Joedan Okun, Diane Weyermann
Department Leadership Roster
Matthew Heineman
Producer
Matthew Heineman
Director
Jenna Millman
Producer
Leslie Norville
Producer
H. Scott Salinas
Original Music Composer
David Zieff
Editor
Matthew Heineman
Editor
Francisco Bello
Editor
Jon Batiste
Original Music Composer
Matthew Heineman
Director of Photography
Gabriel Rhodes
Editor
Thorsten Thielow
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The First Wave.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The First Wave.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The First Wave
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The First Wave about?
When Covid-19 hit New York City in 2020, filmmaker Matthew Heineman gained unique access to one of New York’s hardest-hit hospital systems. The resulting film focuses on the doctors, nurses, and patients on the frontlines during the “first wave” from March to June 2020. Their distinct storylines each serve as a microcosm to understand how the city persevered through the worst pandemic in a century
Who directed The First Wave?
The First Wave was directed by Matthew Heineman.
Who stars in The First Wave?
The principal cast of The First Wave includes Nathalie Dougé, Alexis Ellis, Kellie Wunsch, Brussels Jabon, Naph Jabon.
When was The First Wave released and how long is it?
The First Wave was released in 2021 with a total runtime of 1h 34m.
How much did The First Wave make at the box office?
The First Wave grossed $61K in worldwide ticket sales.
Who composed the musical score for The First Wave?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The First Wave was composed by H. Scott Salinas, Jon Batiste.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The First Wave?
The First Wave holds official age classifications: US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).