Biography
Donn Alan Pennebaker (July 15, 1925 – August 1, 2019) was an American documentary filmmaker.
Known For
Complete Filmography

Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World
2023
Executive Producer
John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Little Richard, The Doors, Chuck Berry, Alice Cooper, and other legendary musicians performed at the 1969 Toronto Rock and Roll...

Tiny Tim: King for a Day
2020
as Himself
The story of Tiny Tim’s improbable rise to stardom is the ultimate fairytale - and so is that of his downfall. For a brief time, the shy and truly unu...

Depeche Mode: Video Singles Collection
2016
Director
The complete collection of Depeche Modes videos.
Jill Drew and D.A. Pennebaker
2016
as Himself
A conversation between Jill Drew and D.A. Pennebaker.
Robert Drew & Associates at the Museum of Tolerance
2016
as Self
In 1998, documentary filmmaker Robert Drew and his associates attend the Museum of Tolerance.

Unlocking the Cage
2016
Director
Renowned filmmakers D A Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus follow determined animal rights activist Steven Wise into the courtroom for an unprecedented batt...

Janis: Little Girl Blue
2015
as Himself
Janis Joplin is one of the most respected and iconic rock & roll singers of all time, a tragic and misunderstood figure who captivated millions of lis...
Snapshots from the Tour
2015
Director
Never-before-seen outtakes from 'Dont Look Back' offer further glimpse into Bob Dylan's historic 1965 tour.

A Venue For The End Of The World
2014
as Himself
Haunted by uncanny similarities between Nazi stage techniques and the showmanship employed by modern entertainers, a filmmaker investigates the danger...
Ricky on Leacock
2012
as Self
A 38-year journey that the director began in 1972 as a young filmmaker and, shooting off and throughout many years, the director filmed many and vario...

Mario Ruspoli, Prince of the Whales
2011
as Self
Colleagues, friends and specialists pay tribute to the filmmaker Mario Ruspoli in a portrait that mixes encounters, archive images and film excerpts. ...

Godard Made in USA
2010
as Self
Documentary by Luc Lagier exploring Godard's career as a filmmaker, the production of Breathless and his influence and his relationship with American ...

The National - 'High Violet' Live From Brooklyn Academy of Music
2010
Director
Concert documentary of The National's performance at Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2010, interspersed with interview footage of the band.

Kings of Pastry
2009
Director
The collar awarded to the winners of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman in France) is more than the ultimate recognition for every pastry ...

The Return of the War Room
2008
Director
Those who played prominent roles in Clinton's 1992 Presidential campaign return to discuss how politics and the media have changed since that time.

Morris Engel: The Independent
2008
as Self
Short documentary on the life and work of photographer and filmmaker Morris Engel

A President to Remember: In the Company of John F. Kennedy
2008
Editor, Cinematography
Bringing to life an American President who was widely respected by his countrymen and celebrated around the world. Composed from four break through fi...

65 Revisited
2007
Camera Operator, Director
A collection of rare outtakes and performances from Pennebaker's 1965 documentary Don't Look Back.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live at Monterey
2007
Director
This special presentation offers all the remaining footage from Jimi Hendrix's incendiary appearance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. Hendrix cla...

Addiction
2007
Director
Assembled by some of the nation's top documentary filmmakers, this centerpiece film in HBO's 'Addiction' campaign features insights from experts on tr...

Cinema16: American Short Films
2006
Director
CINEMA16 celebrates the short film by showcasing some of the best classic and award-winning shorts on DVD. With over three hours of films CINEMA16: A...

Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl
2006
Director
Emmy-winning actor-comedian Robert Wuhl assumes the role of college professor in this hilarious history lesson conducted in front of an audience of ac...

Al Franken: God Spoke
2006
Executive Producer
Join filmmaking duo Chris Hegedus and Nick Doob as their cameras follow Franken to book signings, campaign rallies and the launch of Air America Radio...

No Direction Home: Bob Dylan
2005
as Self
A chronicle of Bob Dylan's strange evolution between 1961 and 1966 from folk singer to protest singer to "voice of a generation" to rock star.
The Cutman
2003
Executive Producer
A cutman at the end of his career struggles to reclaim his true lifelong job.

World Tour 1966: The Home Movies
2003
as Self (archive footage)
With a set of drums and an 8mm color home movie camera, Mickey Jones toured the world in 1966 with Bob Dylan and The Band. He captured on film what be...

Monterey Pop: The Outtake Performances
2002
Cinematography, Director
Additional musical performances from the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival in California, shot for the film Monterey Pop (1968) and released on the Criterion...
Tiny Tim Backstage at Monterey Pop
2002
Director
Using only the illumination of a cigarette lighter, D.A. Pennebaker captured Tiny Tim performing a number of traditional songs at Monterey's Hunt Club...

Only the Strong Survive
2002
Director, Camera Operator, Editor
A film featuring the veteran soul music artists and music of Stax Records. It tells the story of soul, a musical genre that was to have a major influe...

Down from the Mountain
2001
Editor, Director, Director of Photography
On May 24, 2000, the historic Ryman Auditorium was booked to offer Nashvillians an evening of sublime beauty. Label executives and soundtrack producer...

Startup.com
2001
Producer
Friends since high school, 20-somethings Kaleil Isaza Tuzman and Tom Herman have an idea: a Web site for people to conduct business with municipal gov...

The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack
2000
as Self
With the help of her mother, family, friends, and fellow musicians, Aiyana Elliott reaches for her father, legendary cowboy troubadour, Ramblin' Jack ...
Bessie: A Portrait of Bessie Schonberg
1998
Director
Interviews and footage document the life and work of dancer Bessie Schonberg.

Moon Over Broadway
1997
Director
A documentary portrait of the backstage efforts to stage the play Moon Over Buffalo on Broadway.

Westernhagen: Keine Zeit
1996
Director

Woodstock Diary
1994
Director
Woodstock Diary was originally broadcasted on U.S. TV in August 1994 - in honor of the 25th anniversary of the event. Later it was released on DVD wit...

The War Room
1993
Director, Editor, Director of Photography
A behind-the-scenes documentary about the Clinton for President campaign, focusing on the adventures of spin doctors James Carville and George Stephan...

Chuck Berry: Rock and Roll Music
1992
Director, Camera Operator
A pioneer in the world of rock-'n'-roll guitar, Chuck Berry has created a legacy that spans decades. Berry performs some of his greatest hits and all-...

Depeche Mode 101
1989
Director, Editor, Camera Operator
A fascinating documentary focusing on backstage realities of art and business during the British synthesizer band's 1988 American tour.

Depeche Mode: Live at the Pasadena Rose Bowl
1989
Camera Operator, Editor, Director
Depeche Mode's famous 101st and final concert of the 1987-1988 Music For The Masses Tour at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Jimi Plays Monterey
1987
Editor, Director, Camera Operator
Jimi Hendrix's debut American set at 1967's Monterey Pop Festival is generally considered one of the most radical and legendary live shows ever. Virtu...

Shake! Otis at Monterey
1987
Director, Camera Operator, Editor
Renowned documentary filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker captures Otis Redding in his ascendancy, singing at the historic Monterey International Pop Festival in...

From the Pole to the Equator
1987
Editor
The title Dal polo all'equatore was first used by the pioneering documentary maker, Luca Comerio, for a compilation film of 1925; it was used again by...

Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
1983
Director, Camera Operator
Hammersmith Odeon, London, July 3, 1973. British singer David Bowie performs his alter ego Ziggy Stardust for the very last time. A decadent show, a h...

Making Samuel Beckett's 'Rockaby'
1983
Director, Director of Photography, Editor
The filmmakers accompany Alan Schneider, director of the American premieres of most of Beckett's plays, and producer Daniel Labeille to the home of Bi...
Before the Nickelodeon: The Cinema of Edwin S. Porter
1982
as Reader - Film as a Visual Newspaper (voice)
A documentary overview of the career of silent cinema pioneer Edwin S. Porter.

DeLorean
1981
Director
In 1973, John DeLorean was most likely going to be the next president of General Motors, when he turned his back on his $650,000 a year job and focuse...

Town Bloody Hall
1979
Director, Director of Photography, Producer
Norman Mailer and a panel of feminists — Jacqueline Ceballos, Germaine Greer, Jill Johnston, and Diana Trilling — debate the issue of Women's Liberati...

Energy War
1977
Director
Documentary feature. 16mm; color; sound.
Jingle Bells: RFK - 1964
1977
Producer, Director, Editor
Surrounded by his children, his wife Ethel, and Sammy Davis, Jr., RFK visits schoolchildren around the city, and is every bit the good patriarch and d...

David Bowie: Cracked Actor
1975
Thanks
The documentary depicts Bowie on tour in Los Angeles, using a mixture of vérité sequences filmed in limousines and hotels, and concert footage. Most o...

Little Richard: Keep on Rockin'
1973
Director of Photography, Director, Producer
Keep On Rockin', aka Little Richard: Keep On Rockin' (USA video title) is a film of a 1969 Little Richard concert at the Sweet Toronto Peace Festival,...

Eat the Document
1972
Camera Operator
Eat the Document is a documentary of Bob Dylan's 1966 tour of the United Kingdom with the Hawks. It was shot under Dylan's direction by D. A. Pennebak...

Dancers in School
1972
Director
Chronicles the work of several California dance teachers in a program of dance instruction taught in several California school systems. Shows how the ...

Sweet Toronto
1971
Director
Sweet Toronto is a documentary by D.A. Pennebaker of the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival, a one day festival held September 13, 1969 at Varsity Stadium ...

Up Your Legs Forever
1971
The film consists of continuous panning shots up a series of 367 human legs.

1 P.M.
1971
as Self
Lighter and livelier than the films Jean-Luc Godard had made in France, his U.S. collaboration with Direct Cinema documentarian D. A. Pennebaker was m...

1 P.M.
1971
Director, Producer, Director of Photography
Lighter and livelier than the films Jean-Luc Godard had made in France, his U.S. collaboration with Direct Cinema documentarian D. A. Pennebaker was m...

Maidstone
1971
Director of Photography, Cinematography
Over a booze-fueled, increasingly hectic five-day shoot in East Hampton, Norman Mailer and his cast and crew spontaneously unloaded onto film the luri...

Original Cast Album: Company
1970
Director, Director of Photography
In 1970, right after the triumphant premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking concept musical Company, the renowned composer and lyricist, his dir...

Alice Cooper
1970
Director
Alice Cooper and band’s first performance, organized by his friend Frank Zappa, at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival in 1969.

Monterey Pop
1968
Director, Camera Operator
Featuring performances by popular artists of the 1960s, this concert film highlights the music of the 1967 California festival. Although not all music...
Hickory Hill
1968
Director
George Plimpton attends the annual children’s fair of local pets, at the Virginia home of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, with Art Buchwald as ringmaster.

Wake at Generation
1968
Director
An unreleased concert film, shot at the Generation Club on 8th St. in NYC on April 7, 1968. Big Brother & The Holding Co. "Summertime" Joni Mitchell...

Beyond the Law
1968
Cinematography
Takes place over the course of one feverish night in a Manhattan police precinct and neighboring bar.

Wild 90
1968
as Al
Norman Mailer’s first feature filmmaking effort stars the director and his two longtime collaborators Buzz Farbar and Mickey Knox as a trio of gangste...

Wild 90
1968
Director of Photography, Writer
Norman Mailer’s first feature filmmaking effort stars the director and his two longtime collaborators Buzz Farbar and Mickey Knox as a trio of gangste...

Two American Audiences: La Chinoise - A Film in the Making
1968
Director
Jean-Luc Godard visits NYU in order to discuss his latest feature "La chinoise" with graduate students on filmmaking and politics.

RainForest
1968
Director
Leacock and Pennebaker filmed choreographer Merce Cunningham’s dance “RainForest” as part of the 1968 Buffalo Arts Festival’s program “Whose Afraid of...

Dont Look Back
1967
Writer, Director, Camera Operator
In this wildly entertaining vision of one of the twentieth century’s greatest artists, Bob Dylan is surrounded by teen fans, gets into heated philosop...
Hier Strauss
1965
Director
A film by D.A. Pennebaker
Elizabeth and Mary
1965
Director
A film focusing on a day in the life of two identical twin girls, one of whom is blind and mentally handicapped

Marathon
1965
Camera Operator
Started as a class project in what was likely the first filmmaking course ever taught at Harvard, Marathon documents the running of the 1964 Boston Ma...

You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
1964
Director, Editor, Producer
Description by D.A Pennebaker: "This movie is something of a mystery. Timothy Leary was getting married to a model named Nena Von Schlebrugge up in M...
Lambert & Co.
1964
Director
Jazz vocalist Dave Lambert auditions a new group of singers at RCA Studios in 1964.

The Chair
1963
Cinematography
Follows a crusading lawyer as he embarks on a campaign to save an African-American man, Paul Crump, from the electric chair. Preserved by the Academy...

Mooney vs. Fowle
1962
Director
The doc brings us back to a 1961 football game played in front of 40,000 people at the Orange Bowl. A high school football game, pitting Miami High ag...
Jane
1962
Director
Documentary focusing on 25 year-old actress Jane Fonda as she and her director Andreas Voutsinas prepare a stage play called The Fun Couple for Broadw...

Susan Starr
1962
Director
Susan Starr is a talented young concert pianist preparing for the biggest competition of her life. She also happens to have a terrible cold that keeps...
Aga Khan
1961
Director
In 1960, Robert Drew founded his production company Drew Associates; joining him were a number of well-known or soon-to-be well-known documentary film...

On the Pole: Eddie Sachs
1961
Director
The documentary traces Eddie Sachs (one of the most popular drivers in the history of the Indianapolis 500) in a behind-the-scenes look at the race fr...

Adventures on the New Frontier
1961
Camera Operator, Director
A look at the daily business of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, with a focus on some of the political issues he faces six weeks into his term. Preser...

David
1961
Director
During the fertile early years of Drew Associates following the breakthrough of Primary, came this seldom-seen portrait of David Allen, a jazz trumpet...

Primary
1960
Editor, Camera Operator, Sound Recordist
Primary is a documentary film about the primary elections between John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey in 1960. Primary is the first documentary to use...

Yanki No!
1960
Director of Photography
After the US forces Cuba out of the OAS, demonstrations erupt in Venezuela. In Cuba Castro addresses a rally of one million people.

Christopher and Me
1960
Screenplay, Music
Twins Christopher and David gets into an untethered sailboat and inadvertently gets involved in a nearby sailboat race.
Opening In Moscow
1959
Director
In 1959, George Nelson designed an incredible trade fair to be sent to Russia, a kind of yard sale of things American. Everything from automatic vacuu...

Brussels Loops
1958
Director
A collection of twenty short films, averaging 2-3 minutes, by various filmmakers depicting American life, intended to be shown in a continuous loop at...
American Football
1957
Director of Photography
A coach’s whole career depends upon winning this football game, the U.S. Air Force Academy against the University of Colorado. The film was an early e...
Your Share in Tomorrow
1957
Special Effects Supervisor
Informational film explaining the work of the New York Stock Exchange.
Baby
1954
Director
I had contrived a scenario in which she ran mindlessly by cages of various animals paying them no heed while they, subject to edited inserts, would ap...

Daybreak Express
1953
Director, Writer, Editor
Set to a classic Duke Ellington recording "Daybreak Express", this is a five-minute short of the soon-to-be-demolished Third Avenue elevated subway st...