Kevin Brownlow (b. April 2, 1938) is an English historian, filmmaker, author, and archivist. He is best known for his award-winning documentary films on silent cinema as well as his pioneering work in film preservation.
Born in Crowborough, Sussex, Brownlow began his career at age 16, when he wrote for the film magazine Sight & Sound. He later worked as an assistant director and editor on projects such as Richard Attenborough’s “Oh! What a Lovely War” (1969).
Brownlow’s true passion, however, was silent film. In the 1950s and 60s, he had already begun researching and interviewing former silent film stars, as well as collecting film prints and memorabilia. He was even able to secure 35mm prints of films thought to be lost.
In 1968, Brownlow released his first film, the documentary “Winstanley”. It was followed by his landmark documentary “Hollywood” (1980), an eight-hour epic that explored the history of silent film and stardom. The film won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Documentary.
In 1984, Brownlow released “David Lean”, a documentary about the great British director. He would later direct “Cecil B. DeMille: American Epic” (2000), a four-hour documentary about the famous film director.
Brownlow also wrote several books on film history, such as “The Parade’s Gone By” (1968) and “The War, The West, and the Wilderness” (1979). He has also written several books on silent film, including “The Search for Louise Brooks” (1999).
In addition to his work as a filmmaker and author, Brownlow is also an avid film archivist. He founded the BFI National Archive in 1981, which is now the UK’s largest media archive. He also created the British Silent Film Festival, which has been running since 1997.
Kevin Brownlow has made an indelible contribution to film history. His pioneering work in documentary filmmaking and film preservation has helped to ensure that the legacy of silent cinema is remembered and appreciated.
