John Grierson Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
John Grierson (1898 - February 19 1972, Bath, England) was one of the most influential early documentary filmmakers.Born in Perthshire, 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).
In 1938, Grierson was invited by the Canadian government to study the country's film production. He proposed the government create a national coordinating body for the production of films. In 1939, Canada created the National Film Commision, which would later become the National Film Board of Canada. Grierson was the NFBs first Commissioner. When Canada entered World War II in 1939, the NFB focused on the production of propaganda films, many of which Grierson directed. After the war, the NFB focused on producing documentaries that reflected the lives of Canadians. The NFB is recognized around the world for producing quality films, many of which have gone on to win Academy Awards.
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
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