Albert Maysles

Albert Maysles, along with his late brother David, was among the pioneers of direct cinema, the American manifestation of cinéma vérité, a style that emerged in tandem with hand-held cameras and synchronized sound — technology facilitating greater flexibility and spontaneity. He was one of the cameramen on Robert Drew’s seminal film Primary (1960), and co-director of such important docs as Salesmen (1968), Gimme Shelter (1970) and Grey Gardens (1975). Making documentaries is an expression of his humanist values, and in 2005 he established the Harlem-based Maysles Institute, which provides film training to disenfranchised individuals and communities. Still active in documentary production, he was among the 17 cameramen who worked on Shine a Light, Scorcese’s film about the Rolling Stones. He has received numerous honours, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and several lifetime achievement awards.

Selected Filmography

The Gates (2007)

Lalee’s Kin: The Legacy of Cotton (2000)
Sundance Film Festival — Best Cinematography Award in the Documentary Competition

Soldiers of Music: Rostropovich Returns to Russia (1991)
Emmy Award — Outstanding Individual Achievement, Informational Programming
International Documentary Association Award

Christo in Paris (1990)
Sundance Film Festival — Best Cinematography
Academy Award for Best Documentary, Short Subjects

Running Fence (1978)
Academy Award nominee

Christo’s Valley Curtain (1973)
Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary, Short Subjects

Grey Gardens (1976)

Gimme Shelter (1970)

Salesman (1968)
Official Selection for Library of Congress National Film Registry (1993)

What’s Happening! The Beatles in the USA (1964)