John Grierson
John Grierson (1898 - February 19 1972, Bath, England) was one of the most influential early documentary filmmakers.Born in Stirlingshire, Grierson attended Glasgow University and studied communications before moving into filming. His first film was about herring fishermen, "Drifters" , was successful and he went on to establish himself as the 'father of the documentary'. He was the first to use the term 'documentary.
He was the creative organizer who formed and ran the Empire Marketing Board Film Unit (better known as the EMB Film Unit).
Filmography as director:
- Drifters 1929 (first screened at the British premiere of Battleship Potemkin)
- Industrial Britain
- Man of Africa
- The Oracle (documentary)
- Miss Robin Hood
- You're Only Young Twice
- The Brave Don't Cry
- Brandy for the Parson
- The Obedient Flame
- Coal Face
- Granton Trawler
- Song of Ceylon
- Housing Problems