Paul Rotha
(1907-1984), Film writer, producer and directorSitter in 9 portraits
His is considered one of the outstanding figures of the British documentary movement of the 1930s and 1940s, but because he dropped out of film production so early his talent and influence were often later overlooked. In 1930 he established his reputation with the publication of his influential book The Film Till Now, the earliest critical history of world cinema, which introduced many to the idea that film could be taken seriously as an art form. During the 1930s he worked independently, finding sponsors for the many films he made. He rapidly became a leading figure in the growing documentary movement, itself a significant British contribution to the development of world cinema.
by Unknown photographer
bromide print, 1930s
NPG x24959
by Wolfgang Suschitzky
gelatin silver print, 12 July 1975
NPG x24962
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