D.A. Pennebaker

Donn Alan Pennebaker, also known as D. A. Pennebaker, was an eminent American documentarian and author, widely recognized as one of the pioneers of direct cinema. Born on 15th July 1925, his primary subjects revolved around performing arts and politics. Pennebaker was lauded as the 'pre-eminent chronicler of Sixties counterculture' by The Independent. Beginning his career in film in 1953, his works included renowned documentaries like 'The War Room', 'Dont Look Back', 'Monterey Pop', and 'Kings of Pastry'. He brought to life his subjects through his camera eyes, eschewing voice-over narration, and interviews, instead preferring the 'simple' portrayal of events as they unfolded. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored his extensive body of work with an Academy Honorary Award in 2013. Pennebaker passed away on 1st August 2019.

Known affectionately as 'Penny', D. A. Pennebaker was born in Evanston, Illinois, son of Lucille Levick (née Deemer) and John Paul Pennebaker, a commercial photographer. During World War II, he served in the Navy, and later studied engineering at Yale. His professional career began as an engineer, during which he found Electronics Engineering, the makers of the first computerized airline reservation system. His fascination for filming was kindled under the influence of experimental filmmaker Francis Thompson, leading Penny to direct his first film, 'Daybreak Express' in 1953. His other acclaimed works include 'Elaine Stritch: At Liberty', and 'Kings of Pastry'.