Charles Burnett Director, Scriptwriter

Recipient of the prestigious 1988 MacArthur Foundation "Genius" award for his vast contributions in cinema, Burnett has made his mark in independent film production over the past twenty years. With a technical background in electronics, he has worked as a camera man, director and scriptwriter. A native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, he earned his B.A. in 1970 and M.F.A. degree in film in 1975 from UCLA. During this time, Burnett teamed up with other independent filmmakers to become a part of the progressive film movement in the early 70's.

Burnett has gained critical acclaim for the commercial success of To Sleep With Anger, which has aired nationally on HBO, Encore and Cinemax. His independent classic, Killer of Sheep, remains a popular rental within the university community across the country. He has worked both in and outside of the commercial industry as an accomplished writer and director who skillfully writes poignant scripts that give a world-view on diverse African American experiences. His second commercial release, The Glass Shield, released in 1995, addresses racism and corruption in the LAPD.

Filmography:
The Annihilation of Fish (Regents Entertainment) 2001
When It Rains (12 min. Short/1998)
Night John (Disney/1997)
The Glass Shield (35mm/Color/1995)
To Sleep With Anger (35mm/Color/1991)
My Brother's Wedding (35mm/Color/1991)
Killer Of Sheep (16mm/B&W/NR/1978)

Lecture Topics:
Film Production–Independent & Commercial; Scriptwriting; Directing America Becoming (Broadcast on PBS/1992)