"Paul Strand is the greatest American photographer…simply the biggest, widest, most commanding talent in the history of American photography." – Susan Sontag
American photographer and filmmaker Paul Strand is honoured in this in-depth and beautifully crafted portrait that celebrates his profound impact on the development of photography and film as art forms and political resistance. Compelling images and film excerpts illuminate insights from contemporaries Georgia O'Keeffe, Fred Zinnemann, Cesare Zavattini and Leo Hurwitz, contextualizing the growth of his creative and political vision through the tumultuous early to mid-20th century. Branded as "subversive" for his anti-fascist politics during the McCarthy years, Strand left the US in 1949 and lived in Europe until his death. Shot on film, with a personal narration by director John Walker, who was mentored by Strand, the film premiered at the Festival of Festivals in 1989 to wide acclaim. Hot Docs is thrilled to present a rare 35mm screening of this multi-award-winning documentary. Lynne Fernie
Co-presented with Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.