Federico Muchnik has had a long career in filmmaking, directing documentaries and fiction films that often focus on local communities, history, and social issues. A resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts, his work often draws on stories from his home city. His films include:

Documentaries

Interstate 40: A Mid-Life Road Movie (2006): In this documentary, Muchnik films his road trip from Boston to Los Angeles. The journey is not just a geographical one but a personal reflection on life in America.

Touching History: Harvard Square, the Bank, & the Tasty Diner (2005): The film documents the conflict and controversy surrounding the redevelopment of Harvard Square, particularly the closing of the beloved local eatery, The Tasty Diner.

One Brick at a Time: Building People at an Inner City Youth Center (2007): This video documentary chronicles the daily life inside a youth center in Central Square, Cambridge, capturing a slice of the community.

Doc West Moves (2022): A short film profiling Lewis "Doc" West, a blind gospel and soul musician living in Cambridge.

Hunter in the Blackness: Veterans, Hope & Recovery (2017): This documentary short features U.S. veterans sharing their experiences with deployment, post-traumatic stress, and recovery.

Open Space: Life at Cambridge's Danehy Park (2024): In this feature-length documentary, Muchnik interviews strangers he meets at Danehy Park in Cambridge, asking them to share their personal stories on topics such as grief, relationships, and loss and how and why they frequent Danehy Park.

Massachusetts Avenue (2025): Shot mostly on an iPhone, this documentary offers a "time capsule" of Cambridge, with a focus on local figures and events, including protests at Harvard and MIT.

Narrative films

Bad Guy Rough Week (a.k.a. This Killing Business) (2013): A feature film directed and written by Muchnik. The crime-noir story was inspired by the work of pulp crime author Jim Thompson.

The Golden Boat (1990): Muchnik co-wrote the screenplay and played the male lead in this absurdist black comedy, directed by Raúl Ruiz.

Educational and commissioned work

Muchnik has also produced numerous educational videos and has worked for television networks like PBS and HBO.

He is the author of The Strategic Producer, a book for independent filmmakers and the crime novella set in Cambridge, Lucky Tom.