Robert Kenner, a dynamic and versatile American creative professional, has spent over five decades honing his craft across the film and television industry, demonstrating an impressive range of skills and expertise. His professional odyssey commenced in 1971, where he initially served as an assistant cinematographer, laying the groundwork for his future success. Through dedication and perseverance, Kenner gradually elevated his career, transforming into a seasoned screenwriter, director, producer, and charismatic television personality, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Kenner's cinematic career began with his inaugural motion picture, 3:15 - The Moment of Truth, in 1984, although it was ultimately released two years later, marking the initial public presentation of his artistic vision. His sophomore feature film, Lonely Hearts, was subsequently released in 1991, showcasing his growth as a filmmaker and his ability to craft compelling narratives. Nevertheless, it was his work on the documentary series The Lost Fleet of Guadalcanal, produced in collaboration with the esteemed National Geographic Society, that garnered him widespread recognition and acclaim in 1993, cementing his status as a respected figure in the world of documentary filmmaking.
Kenner's creative endeavors did not cease in the subsequent years, as he persisted in producing and directing a plethora of documentaries, one of which was the critically acclaimed "Russia's Last Tsar" for National Geographic and PBS, a production that garnered widespread recognition. Additionally, he worked on "America's Endangered Species: Don't Say Good-bye", a documentary that would go on to receive the esteemed Strand Award for Best Documentary from the International Documentary Association, a testament to Kenner's exceptional skill and dedication to his craft.
Kenner's professional journey with the esteemed PBS documentary series American Experience commenced in 1998, marking a significant milestone in his career as a director and producer. His debut project with the series was the critically acclaimed documentary Influenza, 1918, which delved into the devastating 1918 flu pandemic. This groundbreaking film not only showcased Kenner's exceptional direction and production skills but also garnered widespread critical acclaim.
Building upon this success, Kenner went on to produce and direct numerous episodes for American Experience, cementing his reputation as a masterful storyteller. His impressive portfolio includes John Brown's Holy War, a thought-provoking documentary that explored the life and legacy of the infamous abolitionist, as well as War Letters, a poignant and powerful film that Kenner not only directed and produced but also wrote.
Kenner, a renowned filmmaker, made a significant contribution to the world of documentary television in 2003 by producing the episode "The Road to Memphis" for the esteemed PBS series The Blues. This episode showcased his exceptional skill in crafting compelling narratives and his deep understanding of the blues genre.
Fast forward to 2005, Kenner's talents were once again put to the test as he directed and produced the powerful Vietnam War documentary, Two Days in October. This highly acclaimed film premiered as the season opener for the prestigious American Experience series, solidifying Kenner's reputation as a masterful storyteller.
Based on the critically acclaimed book They Marched into Sunlight by David Maraniss, Two Days in October is a thought-provoking exploration of the parallels between a Viet Cong ambush and a violent clash between police and student protesters at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Both events, which took place in October 1967, serve as a poignant reminder of the tumultuous times in which we live.
Through his meticulous research and masterful direction, Kenner skillfully weaves together the stories of these two pivotal events, creating a film that is both a powerful tribute to the men and women who served in the Vietnam War and a poignant commentary on the enduring struggles for social justice.
Kenner's most recent notable work is a documentary film that was released in the year 2008, and which has garnered significant attention for its thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the large-scale agricultural food production system in the United States.
This documentary film, titled Food, Inc., delves deep into the complexities and intricacies of the American food industry, shedding light on the often-overlooked practices and policies that shape the way our food is produced, processed, and distributed.
Through a meticulous and thorough investigation, Food, Inc. reveals the stark realities of the industrial food production model, which prioritizes profit over people and the planet. The film exposes the environmental, social, and health consequences of this economic model, highlighting the devastating impact it has on our communities, our environment, and our collective well-being.
One of the most striking aspects of Food, Inc. is its conclusion that the meat and vegetables produced by this industrial model are often inexpensive, but also environmentally harmful and unhealthy. This stark reality is a wake-up call for all of us, urging us to re-examine our food choices and consider the long-term consequences of our consumption habits.
Ultimately, Food, Inc. is a powerful and eye-opening film that challenges us to think critically about the food we eat and the world we live in. By shedding light on the dark underbelly of the industrial food system, Kenner's documentary film inspires us to make informed choices and to work towards a more sustainable, equitable, and healthy food future for all.
Throughout the extensive and storied trajectory of his professional journey, Kenner has garnered a plethora of prestigious accolades, including a coveted Emmy Award for Exceptional Merit in Nonfiction Filmmaking for his groundbreaking work on Two Days in October. This esteemed recognition is a testament to his unwavering commitment to crafting documentaries that are not only visually stunning but also intellectually stimulating, thereby cementing his status as a revered and respected figure within the film and television industry.
