John Borowski is a renowned independent filmmaker, acclaimed for his documentary trilogy on late 19th and early 20th century serial killers. Borowski's work has garnered international recognition and is distributed globally on DVD, television, and streaming platforms.
Borowski's filmmaking journey began after graduating from Columbia College Chicago's film program. He freelanced as an editor and cinematographer before directing his first film, "H.H. Holmes: America's First Serial Killer," in 2004. The film received numerous awards, including Best Director of The Midwest independent Film Festival and Best Documentary for Screamfest. It was also broadcast on Court TV Canada.
The film's success led to Borowski's involvement in the investigation of Dennis Rader, the BTK Murderer, in 2004. Rader had mentioned H.H. Holmes in his writings, and the authorities were covering all bases by investigating potential suspects who may have purchased the DVD. Borowski relocated to Los Angeles in 2005 and produced his second film, "Albert Fish: In Sin He Found Salvation," in 2007. The film was called "one of the most disturbing films ever made" and was released on DVD in 2007.
Borowski's third film, "Carl Panzram: The Spirit of Hatred and Vengeance," was released in 2012 and features John DiMaggio as the voice of Carl Panzram. The film underwent unprecedented research, including filming at maximum security prisons and featuring Panzram's handwritten autobiographical papers.
Borowski's films have been screened worldwide, including in Greece, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Canada. His work has also been featured in several books, including "Celluloid Serial Killers" and "True Crime Collecting." In 2010, Borowski was the associate producer on Chilean filmmaker Patricio Valladares' feature film, "Toro Loco."
In 2011, Borowski attended The Crime Scene, a true crime performance event, where he received a letter from serial killer Keith Jesperson asking Borowski to create a film on his life. Borowski also directed the music video for the Swedish band Sparzanza's song, "Mr. Fish," and created a book trailer for John Everson's "The 13th."
Borowski's fourth feature documentary film, "Serial Killer Culture," was released in 2014. He has been recognized for his work, including being featured in Psychology Today, U.K.'s Bizarre Magazine, and interviewed for the Travel Channel show "Monumental Mysteries."
