Chris Hegedus (filmmaking partner & wife), D A Pennebaker, and Barbara Kopple at the 2016 Sarasota Film Festival.
Chris Hegedus (filmmaking partner & wife), D A Pennebaker, and Barbara Kopple at the 2016 Sarasota Film Festival.
Filmmaking Pioneer D A Pennebaker Dies at 94

(released 8/8/2019)


It's been a week since the passing of a pioneer in the documentary field.  Donn Alan Pennebaker, commonly known as D A Pennebaker, died on Thursday, August 1st, just weeks after his 94th birthday.  Unfortunately, he has joined his early frequent collaborators, the Maysles brothers.  You better go see Frederick Wiseman at any screenings you can.

Pennebaker is known for pioneering the cinéma vérité movement in the US.  He is best known for directing Don't Look Back (1967), Monterey Pop (1968), The War Room (1993), and Unlocking the Cage (2016).  He recorded the counterculture movement of the 1960's and 70's for everyone now to see.

Here is the trailer from Don't Look Back with commentary by DA and Bob Neuwirth.  You may have seen this.  The commentary version comes from a Blu-Ray re-release.


This is his beginning adventure into film.  Daybreak Express is a ride on the now decommissioned 3rd Avenue EL in New York City set to Duke Ellington's song.



Print this article



More NEWS