Date of Birth: April 26, 1898
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: February 19, 1972
Biography
John Grierson was a pioneering Scottish documentary filmmaker, often regarded as the father of British and Canadian documentary film. Born on April 26, 1898, in Deanston, Scotland, Grierson was instrumental in the development of the documentary film genre, emphasizing the importance of film as a tool for social change and education. He coined the term “documentary” in a review of Robert Flaherty’s film “Moana” in 1926. Grierson studied at the University of Glasgow and later at the University of Chicago, where he was influenced by the American progressive movement and its focus on social issues. His career began in earnest when he joined the Empire Marketing Board (EMB) in the UK, where he produced and directed several influential documentaries, including “Drifters” (1929), a film about North Sea herring fishermen. In the 1930s, Grierson moved to Canada, where he founded the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) in 1939. Under his leadership, the NFB produced numerous documentaries that played a vital role in Canadian cultural life and propaganda during World War II. Grierson’s work laid the foundation for much of modern documentary filmmaking. He was known for his innovative techniques and his commitment to using film as a means of addressing social issues. He passed away on February 19, 1972, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence filmmakers around the world.
5 Interesting Facts about John Grierson
1. John Grierson coined the term “documentary” in 1926.
2. He founded the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) in 1939.
3. Grierson’s film “Drifters” (1929) is considered one of the first modern documentaries.
4. He was awarded the Canadian Film Award for his contributions to cinema.
5. Grierson worked as a film adviser to UNESCO after World War II.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Grierson
1. “Documentary is the creative treatment of actuality.”
2. “Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”
3. “In documentary, we deal with the actual, and in one sense with the real.”
4. “The camera is much more than a recording apparatus; it is a medium through which messages reach us from another world.”
5. “I look on cinema as a pulpit, and use it as a propagandist.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
John Grierson’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as his primary contributions were cultural rather than financial.
Children
John Grierson did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia: John Grierson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Grierson
3. [Britannica: John Grierson](https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Grierson
4. [Scottish Screen Archive: John Grierson](https://movingimage.nls.uk/biography/10022
