Charles Burnett (director)

Charles Burnett (born April 13, 1944) is an American film director, film producer, writer, editor, actor, photographer, and cinematographer. He is often cited as one of the most important and under-recognized African-American filmmakers. His work is characterized by its neorealist style, its focus on the lives of ordinary Black people, particularly in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, and its exploration of social and political themes.

Burnett received his MFA in Film from UCLA. He is best known for his independent films, including Killer of Sheep (1978), My Brother's Wedding (1983), and To Sleep with Anger (1990). Killer of Sheep, a landmark of American independent cinema, was one of the first 50 films selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry.

His films often feature non-professional actors and are shot on location, contributing to their authentic and realistic feel. Themes prevalent in his work include poverty, family dynamics, the struggles of working-class life, and the importance of community. Burnett's films are notable for their humanism and their avoidance of stereotypical portrayals of African-American characters.

He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including a MacArthur Fellowship "Genius Grant" in 1988, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Independent Spirit Award for Best Director for To Sleep with Anger. His influence on subsequent generations of filmmakers, particularly Black independent filmmakers, is significant.