Allen Willis
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Allen Willis | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 10, 1916 |
| Died | February 23, 2011 (aged 94) |
| Occupations | Director, writer |
| Spouse | Lillian |
| Awards | Emmy Awards |
Allen Willis (June 10, 1916 – February 23, 2011) was an American documentary film director. He is considered the dean of African-American filmmakers in the San Francisco Bay Area.[1]
Willis was born on June 10, 1916, in Washington, D.C., to Tiney Willis and Charles E. Smith. He was the brother of Ederson, Julia, Thelma, William, Evelyn and Clayton. In the 1930s, he met writer Langston Hughes and Marxist philosopher Raya Dunayevskaya which prompted him to devote his life to socialist reform. In the 1950s he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Lillian.[1][2]
Early life and education
After his arrival in the Bay Area, Allen studied under photographer Ansel Adams at what is now called the San Francisco Art Institute.[1][2]
In 1955, he produced, directed, filmed and edited the 16-millimeter film "Have You Sold Your Dozen Roses?" with San Francisco poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Willis was also an early collaborator with Melvin Van Peebles around this time.[1][2]
