Ross McElwee

Ross McElwee

77 · Born: Jul 21, 1947

Personal Details

BornJul 21, 1947 Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Spouse
  • Marilyn Levine

    ( Oct 10, 1987 to May 10, 2025 )
  • Hyun Kyung Kim

    ( May 10, 2025 to May 10, 2025 )

Biography

Ross McElwee is a highly acclaimed American documentary filmmaker and cinematographer, boasting a distinguished reputation within the industry and academia alike, as he has also held a prominent position as a professor at Harvard University.

He has garnered widespread recognition for his distinctive filmmaking approach, which frequently integrates autobiographical components, thereby providing a deeply personal and introspective perspective on his family and personal life.

Throughout his cinematic endeavors, Mark McElwee has consistently employed a narrative structure that unfolds in episodic fashion, thereby providing a framework for the integration of his own personal experiences and astute observations. This distinctive approach to storytelling is marked by a profound introspection, as well as a keen sense of humor, which collectively contribute to a cinematic style that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Ross McElwee, a visionary filmmaker, embarked on a journey of self-discovery, commencing in the year 1947, when he took his first breath. As he matured, he pursued higher education, matriculating at Brown University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in 1971. His thirst for knowledge and artistic expression led him to further his studies at the esteemed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),graduating with a Master's degree in 1977.

**Person Biography:**

Ross McElwee

Mark McElwee's illustrious career in documentary filmmaking has been marked by a plethora of accolades and recognition for his significant contributions to the industry. One notable distinction he received was the Career Award at the esteemed Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in 2007, a testament to his unwavering dedication and unrelenting commitment to his craft, a true hallmark of his professional journey.

Person Biography:

Mark McElwee is a renowned documentary filmmaker who has made a lasting impact on the industry. Born and raised in the United States, McElwee developed a passion for storytelling and filmmaking from a young age. He began his career in the early 1980s, working on various documentary projects that showcased his unique perspective and skillset.

Over the years, McElwee has worked on a wide range of documentaries, from narrative-driven films to more experimental and avant-garde projects. His work has been featured at numerous film festivals and has received critical acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

In addition to his work as a filmmaker, McElwee is also a respected educator and mentor. He has taught documentary filmmaking workshops and courses at various institutions and has mentored numerous young filmmakers, helping to shape the next generation of documentary storytellers.

Throughout his career, McElwee has been recognized for his contributions to the documentary filmmaking industry. He received the Career Award at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in 2007, a testament to his dedication and commitment to his craft.

Career

{"id":59778,"title":"Something to Do with the Wall","year":"1991","character":"Narrator","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/something-to-do-with-the-wall","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6kbnn3d1pfc0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6kbnn3d1pfc0.jpg"},"released":1}
1991
{"id":42531,"title":"Photographic Memory","year":"2011","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/photographic-memory","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_42531.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_42531.jpg"},"released":1}
2011
{"id":52313,"title":"Bright Leaves","year":"2004","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bright-leaves","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_52313.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_52313.jpg"},"released":1}
2004
{"id":122047,"title":"Frontline","year":"1997","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/frontline-1996","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_122047.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_122047.jpg"},"released":1}
1997
{"id":56497,"title":"Who Is Henry Jaglom?","year":"1997","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/who-is-henry-jaglom","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_56497.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_56497.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":46109,"title":"Time Indefinite","year":"1993","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/time-indefinite","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_46109.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_46109.jpg"},"released":1}
1993
{"id":62119,"title":"Sherman's March","year":"1985","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/shermans-march-1985","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_62119.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_62119.jpg"},"released":1}
1985
{"id":162104,"title":"Backyard","year":"1984","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/backyard","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_162104.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_162104.jpg"},"released":1}
1984
{"id":163604,"title":"Space Coast","year":"1979","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/space-coast","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_163604.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_163604.jpg"},"released":1}
1979
{"id":163196,"title":"Charleen","year":"1977","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/charleen","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_163196.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_163196.jpg"},"released":1}
1977
{"id":42531,"title":"Photographic Memory","year":"2011","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/photographic-memory","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_42531.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_42531.jpg"},"released":1}
2011
{"id":52313,"title":"Bright Leaves","year":"2004","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bright-leaves","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_52313.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_52313.jpg"},"released":1}
2004
Bright Leaves
Bright Leaves as Director
{"id":122047,"title":"Frontline","year":"1997","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/frontline-1996","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_122047.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_122047.jpg"},"released":1}
1997
Frontline
Frontline as Director, Writer
{"id":46109,"title":"Time Indefinite","year":"1993","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/time-indefinite","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_46109.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_46109.jpg"},"released":1}
1993
Time Indefinite
Time Indefinite as Director, Writer
{"id":59778,"title":"Something to Do with the Wall","year":"1991","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/something-to-do-with-the-wall","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6kbnn3d1pfc0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6kbnn3d1pfc0.jpg"},"released":1}
1991
{"id":62119,"title":"Sherman's March","year":"1985","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/shermans-march-1985","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_62119.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_62119.jpg"},"released":1}
1985
Sherman's March
Sherman's March as Director, Writer
{"id":162104,"title":"Backyard","year":"1984","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/backyard","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_162104.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_162104.jpg"},"released":1}
1984
Backyard
Backyard as Director
{"id":163604,"title":"Space Coast","year":"1979","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/space-coast","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_163604.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_163604.jpg"},"released":1}
1979
Space Coast
Space Coast as Director
{"id":163196,"title":"Charleen","year":"1977","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/charleen","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_163196.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_163196.jpg"},"released":1}
1977
Charleen
Charleen as Director