James Redford (filmmaker)
American filmmaker (1962–2020)
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Key Takeaways
- David James Redford (May 5, 1962 – October 16, 2020) was an American documentary filmmaker and environmentalist.
- Early life and education David James Redford was born on May 5, 1962 in New York City, the son of historian Lola Van Wagenen and actor-director Robert Redford.
- Redford received an undergraduate degree in creative writing and filmmaking from University of Colorado Boulder in 1985.
- In 1993, Redford underwent two liver transplants to combat the effects of primary sclerosing cholangitis.
- Through the institute, he was the executive producer of the documentary, The Kindness of Strangers (1999), directed by Maro Chermayeff.
David James Redford (May 5, 1962 – October 16, 2020) was an American documentary filmmaker and environmentalist. He was the son of actor and director Robert Redford and historian Lola Van Wagenen.
Early life and education
David James Redford was born on May 5, 1962 in New York City, the son of historian Lola Van Wagenen and actor-director Robert Redford. He grew up in New York, but spent summers in the Provo Canyon area of Utah, where his family also had a home.
Redford received an undergraduate degree in creative writing and filmmaking from University of Colorado Boulder in 1985. Later he earned a master's degree in English literature from Northwestern University.
In 1993, Redford underwent two liver transplants to combat the effects of primary sclerosing cholangitis. His transplant experience led him to found the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness. Through the institute, he was the executive producer of the documentary, The Kindness of Strangers (1999), directed by Maro Chermayeff.
Career
In 2001, Redford was credited as the screenwriter for the western drama Cowboy Up as well as the 2002 television film Skinwalkers. His directorial debut came in 2003 with the movie Spin, which he also screenwrote.
In 2005, he and his father Robert Redford co-founded the San Francisco-based nonprofit called The Redford Center, that produces films and helps filmmakers by providing them grant money.
Redford directed his first documentary film, The Big Picture; Rethinking Dyslexia (2012), based on the challenges faced by his son Dylan in school. Interviewees in the documentary included Richard Branson, Charles Schwab, David Boies, and Gavin Newsom. Also in 2012, he produced Watershed.
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