Can Heinrich Toepffer has found his voice in a raw, documentary style that brings him close to the people he films. He’s driven by a deep interest in real lives and honest stories With the camera in his hands, he listens more than he directs, creating space for truth, emotion, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments. His work is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and a love for the real.
Can Heinrich Toepffer
Director / DoP
A moving portrait of Martin Bötcher, a fisherman on Stechlinsee, who, alongside his father, preserves the tradition of sustainable fishing. The film explores the challenges of maintaining this craft—ensuring responsible food production for future generations while addressing the lack of successors. Shot with vintage 1980s lenses, the project captures both the beauty and struggles of this timeless craftsmanship, created in collaboration with Die Gemeinschaft e.V.
Fangfrisch
Branded Documentary
"Separating what belongs together to create something new." This project transcends traditional perspectives, breaking away from the frontal view and the predictable 360-degree circle to enter the intimate, unseen world of a dancer. Using a custom-built rig to dive into the depth of movement, exploring the relationship between space, rhythm, and the body.
Fragments
Visuell Research
A portrait of Wenzel, an Italian surfboard shaper based in Fuerteventura, whose philosophy is rooted in simplicity: every board works as long as it suits the surfer’s level and style. His process is a quiet dialogue between craftsmanship and intuition, where each board is shaped with a balance of honesty, precision, and a deep understanding of the connection between rider and wave.
Shaped by the sea
Portrait
A haunting music video collaboration with artist Laidback Leo, who serves as the narrator in a story of entrapment and inner struggle. Shot entirely in a desolate tunnel, the video portrays Desire (Oleg Tikhomirov) and Resignation (Sven Scheele) as two opposing forces. A unique visual style, achieved through a self-built anamorphic lens, amplifies the raw and immersive atmosphere.
Laidback Leo - Spinne
Musicvideo
Can Heinrich Toepffer, the son of a dönershop owner and a speech therapist, used to be a professional hip-hop dancer. Through the filming of his own choreographies he found the love for filmmaking. Before finally becoming a filmmaker, he studied sport science and worked as a sports therapist. The versatility of his life are mirrored in his projects as a director and director of photography.
He has found his voice in a raw, documentary style that brings him close to the people he films. He’s driven by a deep interest in real lives and honest stories. With the camera in his hands, he listens more than he directs, creating space for emotion and the quiet beauty of everyday moments. From the Red Cross to Volkswagen to Aktion Mensch, his client list reflects both social impact and global reach.