Robert Gardner, a renowned filmmaker and author, served as the Director of the Film Study Center at Harvard University from 1957 to 1997, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the field of non-fiction film.
Gardner's impressive body of work has left a lasting impact on the genre, with films that have entered the permanent canon of non-fiction filmmaking. Some of his most notable productions include Dead Birds (1964),a poignant portrayal of the Dugum Dani, a Stone Age society that once resided in the Highlands of the former Netherlands New Guinea. This film was born from Gardner's leadership of the Peabody Museum-sponsored expedition to study the Dani in 1961-62.
Another significant work is Rivers of Sand (1974),a thought-provoking social commentary on the Hamar people of southwestern Ethiopia. Forest of Bliss (1985),a cinematic essay on the ancient city of Benares, India, is also a notable example of Gardner's work, as it explores the ceremonies, rituals, and industries associated with death and regeneration.
Throughout his career, Gardner's films have garnered numerous accolades, including the Robert J. Flaherty Award for best nonfiction film on two occasions, the Golden Lion for Best Film at the Florence Film Festival three times, and First Prizes at the Trento, USA Dallas, Melbourne, Nuoro, EarthWatch, Athens, and San Francisco film festivals.
Gardner's films have also been invited to numerous festivals worldwide, including Jerusalem, Bergen, London, Munich, Toronto, Montreal, Margaret Mead, Marseilles, Locarno, Chicago, and Cinema du Réel.
