William Greaves

William Greaves

Nascimento : 1926-10-08, New York City, New York, USA

Morte : 2014-08-25

História

William Greaves (October 8, 1926 – August 25, 2014) was a documentary filmmaker and a pioneer of African-American filmmaking. He produced more than two hundred documentary films, and wrote and directed more than half of these. Greaves garnered many accolades for his work, including four Emmy nominations, one of which he won for his work as executive producer on the African-American news program Black Journal. Description above from the Wikipedia article William Greaves, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Perfil

William Greaves

Filmes

The Man Who Built Cambodia
Self
An architect whose iconic buildings defined a newly independent Cambodia struggles to come to terms with the reckless development that threatens his legacy.
Our Paul: Remembering Paul Robeson
Self
A retrospective look at the career of Paul Robeson and his legacy as both an American and a citizen of the world.
Discovering William Greaves
Self
A documentary on the career of William Greaves, featuring Greaves, his wife and co-producer Louise Archambault, actor Ruby Dee, filmmaker St. Clair Bourne, and film scholar Scott MacDonald. Released within Criterion's Symbiopsychotaxiplasm set.
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take 2 ½
Producer
A movie about making movies about making movies. In 1968, William Greaves shot several pairs of actors in a scene in which a woman confronts her husband and ends their relationship. In "Take 2 1/2," Greaves starts with 1968 takes of one of these pairs of actors plus footage of the crew discussing the film's progress. Then, 35 years later, Greaves brings back to Central Park those actors and some of the original crew (plus others) to film a reunion of the characters Alice and Freddie. We watch scenes of these characters and discussions among the actors and crew. Greaves explores and dramatizes the dialectic in the creative process.
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take 2 ½
Writer
A movie about making movies about making movies. In 1968, William Greaves shot several pairs of actors in a scene in which a woman confronts her husband and ends their relationship. In "Take 2 1/2," Greaves starts with 1968 takes of one of these pairs of actors plus footage of the crew discussing the film's progress. Then, 35 years later, Greaves brings back to Central Park those actors and some of the original crew (plus others) to film a reunion of the characters Alice and Freddie. We watch scenes of these characters and discussions among the actors and crew. Greaves explores and dramatizes the dialectic in the creative process.
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take 2 ½
Himself
A movie about making movies about making movies. In 1968, William Greaves shot several pairs of actors in a scene in which a woman confronts her husband and ends their relationship. In "Take 2 1/2," Greaves starts with 1968 takes of one of these pairs of actors plus footage of the crew discussing the film's progress. Then, 35 years later, Greaves brings back to Central Park those actors and some of the original crew (plus others) to film a reunion of the characters Alice and Freddie. We watch scenes of these characters and discussions among the actors and crew. Greaves explores and dramatizes the dialectic in the creative process.
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take 2 ½
Director
A movie about making movies about making movies. In 1968, William Greaves shot several pairs of actors in a scene in which a woman confronts her husband and ends their relationship. In "Take 2 1/2," Greaves starts with 1968 takes of one of these pairs of actors plus footage of the crew discussing the film's progress. Then, 35 years later, Greaves brings back to Central Park those actors and some of the original crew (plus others) to film a reunion of the characters Alice and Freddie. We watch scenes of these characters and discussions among the actors and crew. Greaves explores and dramatizes the dialectic in the creative process.
Ralph Bunche: An American Odyssey
Director
Few remember the name, much less the historical achievements, of Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche. Yet, this African American mediator and United Nations diplomat was the first person of color anywhere in the world to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace.
Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice
Writer
Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice documents the dramatic life and turbulent times of the pioneering African American journalist, activist, suffragist and anti-lynching crusader of the post-Reconstruction period. Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison reads selections from Wells' memoirs and other writings in this winner of more than 20 film festival awards.
Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice
Director
Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice documents the dramatic life and turbulent times of the pioneering African American journalist, activist, suffragist and anti-lynching crusader of the post-Reconstruction period. Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison reads selections from Wells' memoirs and other writings in this winner of more than 20 film festival awards.
That's Black Entertainment
Host/Narrator
This documentary presents clips from black films from 1929 through 1957.
That's Black Entertainment
Director
This documentary presents clips from black films from 1929 through 1957.
The Best of Black Journal
Director
The first Black-produced and controlled network television series, BLACK JOURNAL won an Emmy for programming excellence in public affairs. Provides a unique perspective on the late Civil Rights period. The Best of Black Journal consists of five segments from the 1968-70 TV series focusing on African American arts and culture.
Black Power in America: Myth or Reality?
Cinematography
The film questions whether the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s effectively changed the Black community, and American society more widely, and examines the notion of Black power itself. Greaves interviewed major Black leaders, such as Franklin Thomas, Clifton Wharton Jr., Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Lerone Bennett Jr. to present a candid take on issues within the African American community, revealing wider societal problems in America at large.
Black Power in America: Myth or Reality?
Writer
The film questions whether the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s effectively changed the Black community, and American society more widely, and examines the notion of Black power itself. Greaves interviewed major Black leaders, such as Franklin Thomas, Clifton Wharton Jr., Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Lerone Bennett Jr. to present a candid take on issues within the African American community, revealing wider societal problems in America at large.
Black Power in America: Myth or Reality?
Narrator/Interviewer
The film questions whether the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s effectively changed the Black community, and American society more widely, and examines the notion of Black power itself. Greaves interviewed major Black leaders, such as Franklin Thomas, Clifton Wharton Jr., Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Lerone Bennett Jr. to present a candid take on issues within the African American community, revealing wider societal problems in America at large.
Black Power in America: Myth or Reality?
Editor
The film questions whether the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s effectively changed the Black community, and American society more widely, and examines the notion of Black power itself. Greaves interviewed major Black leaders, such as Franklin Thomas, Clifton Wharton Jr., Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Lerone Bennett Jr. to present a candid take on issues within the African American community, revealing wider societal problems in America at large.
Black Power in America: Myth or Reality?
Producer
The film questions whether the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s effectively changed the Black community, and American society more widely, and examines the notion of Black power itself. Greaves interviewed major Black leaders, such as Franklin Thomas, Clifton Wharton Jr., Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Lerone Bennett Jr. to present a candid take on issues within the African American community, revealing wider societal problems in America at large.
Black Power in America: Myth or Reality?
Director
The film questions whether the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s effectively changed the Black community, and American society more widely, and examines the notion of Black power itself. Greaves interviewed major Black leaders, such as Franklin Thomas, Clifton Wharton Jr., Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Lerone Bennett Jr. to present a candid take on issues within the African American community, revealing wider societal problems in America at large.
Frederick Douglass: An American Life
Editor
This director's cut of the William Greaves' documentary short film dramatizes the life and deeds of the noted abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
Frederick Douglass: An American Life
Writer
This director's cut of the William Greaves' documentary short film dramatizes the life and deeds of the noted abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
Frederick Douglass: An American Life
Producer
This director's cut of the William Greaves' documentary short film dramatizes the life and deeds of the noted abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
Frederick Douglass: An American Life
Director
This director's cut of the William Greaves' documentary short film dramatizes the life and deeds of the noted abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
Fighter for Freedom: The Frederick Douglass Story
Screenplay
Frederick Douglass, Fighter for Freedom is a 19-minute documentary on the life and times of Frederick Douglass. Historic photos and documdrama segments cover the live of this great orator, emancipator and statesman. The story is told by a young narrator.
Fighter for Freedom: The Frederick Douglass Story
Producer
Frederick Douglass, Fighter for Freedom is a 19-minute documentary on the life and times of Frederick Douglass. Historic photos and documdrama segments cover the live of this great orator, emancipator and statesman. The story is told by a young narrator.
Fighter for Freedom: The Frederick Douglass Story
Director
Frederick Douglass, Fighter for Freedom is a 19-minute documentary on the life and times of Frederick Douglass. Historic photos and documdrama segments cover the live of this great orator, emancipator and statesman. The story is told by a young narrator.
Space For Women
Writer
Designed for class instruction and career education, and to prove that space exploration isn’t just for the boys. The film interviews women employed in the space transportation programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and shows the variety of positions that they hold as electrical engineers, aerial photography analysts, safety specialists and astronaut mission specialists. It notes how the women obtained their training and qualified for their positions. Astronaut Anna Lee Fisher, Dr. Patricia Cowings, Shirley Chevalier, Sue Norman, Sharon Orkansky, Brenda Willis, and Astronaut Catherine Sullivan are profiled. Narrated by Ricardo Montalban. Winner of NAACP Image Award For Picture Of The Year
Space For Women
Producer
Designed for class instruction and career education, and to prove that space exploration isn’t just for the boys. The film interviews women employed in the space transportation programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and shows the variety of positions that they hold as electrical engineers, aerial photography analysts, safety specialists and astronaut mission specialists. It notes how the women obtained their training and qualified for their positions. Astronaut Anna Lee Fisher, Dr. Patricia Cowings, Shirley Chevalier, Sue Norman, Sharon Orkansky, Brenda Willis, and Astronaut Catherine Sullivan are profiled. Narrated by Ricardo Montalban. Winner of NAACP Image Award For Picture Of The Year
Space For Women
Director
Designed for class instruction and career education, and to prove that space exploration isn’t just for the boys. The film interviews women employed in the space transportation programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and shows the variety of positions that they hold as electrical engineers, aerial photography analysts, safety specialists and astronaut mission specialists. It notes how the women obtained their training and qualified for their positions. Astronaut Anna Lee Fisher, Dr. Patricia Cowings, Shirley Chevalier, Sue Norman, Sharon Orkansky, Brenda Willis, and Astronaut Catherine Sullivan are profiled. Narrated by Ricardo Montalban. Winner of NAACP Image Award For Picture Of The Year
Rompendo Correntes
Executive Producer
O lendário comediante Richard Pryor se coloca na pele de Joe Braxton, um ex-vigarista que leva uma linda professora de educação especial e seus alunos a Washington D.C. com o fim de recuperar sua liberdade. Uma louca e emocionante comédia.
Where Dreams Come True
Director
Directed by African American William Greaves and narrated by actor Ricardo Montalban, Where Dreams Come True is a 1979 NASA film highlighting the contributions of women and minorities and encouraging more to consider a career at the agency. The documentary includes interviews with astronaut-scientists Kathryn Sullivan and Ronald McNair, research psychologist Patricia Cowings, engineer Ruben Ramos, and former astronaut and deputy administrator Frederick Gregory. Much of the work depicted in this film relates to the fledgling Space Shuttle program - which was two years away from its first mission.
Just Doin’ It (A Tale of Two Barbershops)
Director of Photography
An intimate portrait of two inner-city barbershops that provide patrons with more than haircuts.
Just Doin’ It (A Tale of Two Barbershops)
Editor
An intimate portrait of two inner-city barbershops that provide patrons with more than haircuts.
Just Doin’ It (A Tale of Two Barbershops)
Writer
An intimate portrait of two inner-city barbershops that provide patrons with more than haircuts.
Just Doin’ It (A Tale of Two Barbershops)
Producer
An intimate portrait of two inner-city barbershops that provide patrons with more than haircuts.
Just Doin’ It (A Tale of Two Barbershops)
Director
An intimate portrait of two inner-city barbershops that provide patrons with more than haircuts.
The Marijuana Affair
Editor
An American detective investigates the drug trade's influence on violence in Jamaica and corruption among government officials and high-ranking members of the police force.
The Marijuana Affair
Writer
An American detective investigates the drug trade's influence on violence in Jamaica and corruption among government officials and high-ranking members of the police force.
The Marijuana Affair
Producer
An American detective investigates the drug trade's influence on violence in Jamaica and corruption among government officials and high-ranking members of the police force.
The Marijuana Affair
Director
An American detective investigates the drug trade's influence on violence in Jamaica and corruption among government officials and high-ranking members of the police force.
From These Roots
Director
Explores the extraordinary artistic, cultural and political flowering that took place in Harlem during the "Roaring 20s." This vivid portrait of the "Harlem Renaissance" is created entirely with period photographs.
The Fight
Director
In 1971, maverick filmmaker William Greaves trained his cameras on both Muhammad Ali and his opponent, Joe Frazier, ahead of the “Fight of the Century” at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The epic battle was supposed to be Ali's big comeback following the suspension of his boxing license in 1967. In addition to the media circus surrounding both combatants, Greaves shot the match in its entirety from a dizzying array of camera angles, making the director's cut of The Fight both an invaluable historical document as well as a virtuosic piece of filmmaking
Whose Standard English?
Director
This film explores innovative ways in which "standard English" can be taught to dialect speaking children. Filmed on location in Louisiana at a U.S. Department of Education teacher-training project.
Every Nigger Is a Star
Cinematography
A man returns to his home of Jamaica from journey. Along the way, he meets up with famous reggae bands of the time.
Ali - The Fighter
Director
Documentary about the first Ali-Frazier fight.
Nationtime
Cinematography
A report on the National Black Political Convention held in Gary, Indiana, in 1972, a historic event that gathered Black voices from across the political spectrum, among them Jesse Jackson, Dick Gregory, Coretta Scott King, Richard Hatcher, Amiri Baraka, Charles Diggs, and H. Carl McCall.
Nationtime
Director
A report on the National Black Political Convention held in Gary, Indiana, in 1972, a historic event that gathered Black voices from across the political spectrum, among them Jesse Jackson, Dick Gregory, Coretta Scott King, Richard Hatcher, Amiri Baraka, Charles Diggs, and H. Carl McCall.
On Merit
Director
Examines the history and purpose of the "merit system" used by the U.S. Civil Service in hiring and promoting Federal Government workers. Shows how the system impacts jobs and career prospects for women and minorities.
Voice of La Raza
Director
Produced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, this film traces the ongoing struggle for equality by the Spanish-speaking residents of the United States. Through a fictitious scenario and real discussions with a range of individuals, including local business leaders, parents, and student activists, the film explores job discrimination and the resulting hardships within the Hispanic community. Many of the interviews are conducted by actor Anthony Quinn, who relates his own family's struggles as Mexican immigrants in East Los Angeles.
In the Company of Men
Director
This multi-award winning film uses psychodrama to help bridge the communication gap between a group of the so-called "hard-core unemployed" - largely Black and "underclass" - and the men who hire, train and supervise them - mostly white and middle class.
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One
Himself / Director
In Manhattan's Central Park, a film crew directed by William Greaves is shooting a screen test with various pairs of actors. It's a confrontation between a couple: he demands to know what's wrong, she challenges his sexual orientation. Cameras shoot the exchange, and another camera records Greaves and his crew. Sometimes we watch the crew discussing this scene, its language, and the process of making a movie. Is there such a thing as natural language? Are all things related to sex? The camera records distractions - a woman rides horseback past them; a garrulous homeless vet who sleeps in the park chats them up. What's the nature of making a movie?
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One
Producer
In Manhattan's Central Park, a film crew directed by William Greaves is shooting a screen test with various pairs of actors. It's a confrontation between a couple: he demands to know what's wrong, she challenges his sexual orientation. Cameras shoot the exchange, and another camera records Greaves and his crew. Sometimes we watch the crew discussing this scene, its language, and the process of making a movie. Is there such a thing as natural language? Are all things related to sex? The camera records distractions - a woman rides horseback past them; a garrulous homeless vet who sleeps in the park chats them up. What's the nature of making a movie?
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One
Editor
In Manhattan's Central Park, a film crew directed by William Greaves is shooting a screen test with various pairs of actors. It's a confrontation between a couple: he demands to know what's wrong, she challenges his sexual orientation. Cameras shoot the exchange, and another camera records Greaves and his crew. Sometimes we watch the crew discussing this scene, its language, and the process of making a movie. Is there such a thing as natural language? Are all things related to sex? The camera records distractions - a woman rides horseback past them; a garrulous homeless vet who sleeps in the park chats them up. What's the nature of making a movie?
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One
Writer
In Manhattan's Central Park, a film crew directed by William Greaves is shooting a screen test with various pairs of actors. It's a confrontation between a couple: he demands to know what's wrong, she challenges his sexual orientation. Cameras shoot the exchange, and another camera records Greaves and his crew. Sometimes we watch the crew discussing this scene, its language, and the process of making a movie. Is there such a thing as natural language? Are all things related to sex? The camera records distractions - a woman rides horseback past them; a garrulous homeless vet who sleeps in the park chats them up. What's the nature of making a movie?
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One
Director
In Manhattan's Central Park, a film crew directed by William Greaves is shooting a screen test with various pairs of actors. It's a confrontation between a couple: he demands to know what's wrong, she challenges his sexual orientation. Cameras shoot the exchange, and another camera records Greaves and his crew. Sometimes we watch the crew discussing this scene, its language, and the process of making a movie. Is there such a thing as natural language? Are all things related to sex? The camera records distractions - a woman rides horseback past them; a garrulous homeless vet who sleeps in the park chats them up. What's the nature of making a movie?
The New-Ark
Producer
A short documentary subject made for National Educational Television's Black Journal television program documenting a political rally in Newark, the 1970 mayoral campaign of Ken Gibson, and an African American voter registration drive with special musical performance by Stevie Wonder.
Still A Brother: Inside the Negro Middle Class
Director
The Black middle class, torn between white goals and Black needs, are examined by producers William Greaves and William Branch in a 90-minute NET Journal documentary.
The First World Festival of Negro Arts
Editor
Official film of the festival, a gathering that laid crucial groundwork for pan-Africanist thinking. Directed by William Greaves, the prolific African American actor and filmmaker who left the US in the 1950s to train at the more liberal, welcoming National Film Board of Canada.
The First World Festival of Negro Arts
Narrator
Official film of the festival, a gathering that laid crucial groundwork for pan-Africanist thinking. Directed by William Greaves, the prolific African American actor and filmmaker who left the US in the 1950s to train at the more liberal, welcoming National Film Board of Canada.
The First World Festival of Negro Arts
Cinematography
Official film of the festival, a gathering that laid crucial groundwork for pan-Africanist thinking. Directed by William Greaves, the prolific African American actor and filmmaker who left the US in the 1950s to train at the more liberal, welcoming National Film Board of Canada.
The First World Festival of Negro Arts
Writer
Official film of the festival, a gathering that laid crucial groundwork for pan-Africanist thinking. Directed by William Greaves, the prolific African American actor and filmmaker who left the US in the 1950s to train at the more liberal, welcoming National Film Board of Canada.
The First World Festival of Negro Arts
Director
Official film of the festival, a gathering that laid crucial groundwork for pan-Africanist thinking. Directed by William Greaves, the prolific African American actor and filmmaker who left the US in the 1950s to train at the more liberal, welcoming National Film Board of Canada.
Wealth of a Nation
Producer
This film explores freedom of speech in the United States of America
Wealth of a Nation
Writer
This film explores freedom of speech in the United States of America
Wealth of a Nation
Director
This film explores freedom of speech in the United States of America
Four Religions
Director
Exploring four of the world's major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity.
Emergency Ward
Editor
This 1959 documentary short is a frank portrait of the daily operations inside the Montreal General Hospital’s emergency ward.
Emergency Ward
Director
This 1959 documentary short is a frank portrait of the daily operations inside the Montreal General Hospital’s emergency ward.
Smoke and Weather
Director
During the fire season, look-out men keep constant vigilance for the first sign of smoke, scanning the territory for miles around. How they are trained for the work and how their efforts save many valuable stands of timber are illustrated at a fire tower in the Forestry Branch's Petawawa Forest Experiment Station in Ontario.
Smoke and Weather
Writer
During the fire season, look-out men keep constant vigilance for the first sign of smoke, scanning the territory for miles around. How they are trained for the work and how their efforts save many valuable stands of timber are illustrated at a fire tower in the Forestry Branch's Petawawa Forest Experiment Station in Ontario.
Islands of the Frozen Sea
Editor
This short documentary offers a look at the life forms on the Queen Elizabeth Islands within the Arctic Circle. Even in this frigid zone of icebergs and glaciers a surprising variety of wildlife and vegetation is seen. Writings from the logbooks of early explorers provide vivid descriptions of scenes as arresting to them in their century as to today's explorer.
Trans Canada Summer
Editor
The camera follows the Trans-Canada Highway from east to west, revealing the people, the resources and the geography of Canada. Included are some of the engineering feats accomplished in the building of the highway.
Blood and Fire
Editor
The Salvation Army in action. Band rehearsals, personal reminiscences of an Army officer, and an unrehearsed "coming to Christ" in the Army Citadel make for a revealing film study of men and women dedicated to a life of service to humanity.
Profile of a Problem Drinker
Editor
This short film is a telling portrait of the discourse about and treatment of alcohol addiction in the middle of the 20th century. In a fictional setting, the film examines the insecurities and inner motivations that cause the protagonist to lean on alcohol. His job and home life are threatened by his addiction, and the doctor to whom he finally turns explains the medical and other resources available to him.
Putting It Straight
Director
About "crooked" teeth, dealing with the causes of irregular teeth and stressing the importance of early, regular and systematic care of the primary teeth in preventing such conditions.
The Dikes
Sound
A look at the destruction that follows the breaking of long-neglected dikes and the measures being taken to prevent future problems.
Souls of Sin
Isaiah 'Alabama' Lee
Unsuccessful gambler 'Dollar Bill' Burton lives in a crummy New York basement room with old friend Bob and a new roommate, friendly blues singer 'Alabama' Lee. But, tired of being broke, Dollar Bill gets more steady employment...doing illegal errands for gangster Bad Boy George. The now prosperous Bill ignores pretty, adoring Etta and takes up with sultry singer Regina. Will Bill's way of life catch up with him? Will his upright friends be more successful in the end?
Fronteiras Perdidas
Arthur 'Art' Cooper
A light-skinned African-American family are "passing" in an all-white New England town. When the truth comes out, the more prejudiced neighbors demand their expulsion from the community.
Miracle in Harlem
Bert Hallam
A crooked real estate tycoon tricks a trusting young woman out of her small candy store. When he is found dead, the girl is suspected of the crime.