Jacob BURCKHARDT

Nationality: American

Jacob Burckhardt is a New York-based filmmaker renowned for his distinctive contributions to underground cinema. Before dedicating himself fully to film, Burckhardt held a variety of jobs, from blueberry picker to taxi driver, experiences that undoubtedly shaped his unique perspective.

Specializing in sound production, Burckhardt's expertise ranges from recording for a major Italian TV feature in North Africa to work within the American porn industry. He is best known for directing and producing two features that gained international festival recognition and video distribution: It Don’t Pay to Be an Honest Citizen (1984), featuring cultural icons like William Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg, and Landlord Blues (1986).

Burckhardt has also fostered significant collaborations. Beginning in 1990 with Royston Scott and Ms. Mahogany Plywood, he created The Frankie Lymons Nephew Story, followed by Freedom Ho, or Harriet Tubman’s Tale (2002). Their ongoing series, "Black Moments in Great History," includes Louis the Fourteenth Street (2004) with two more productions underway.

His recent work, The Surface, exemplifies his artistic vision. Shot entirely on black and white 16mm film and projected as such, it’s a poetic meditation on nature, featuring a poignant tale of love. The film’s live, unsynced soundtrack showcases rare recordings from musicians like Norman Fontleroy, Neal Kirkwood, Marc Ribot, and Alvin Curran, creating a truly immersive and "magical" monochrome world.

3 MOVIES IN DISTRIBUTION

A ROLL FOR PETER - Collective film
2016-2023 / 16mm / b&w / silent / single screen / 55' 49 / 150 €
distribution: DCP on server or Digital file on server
BLACK AND WHITE
2004 / 16mm / b&w / sound / single screen / 10' 00 / 35 €
distribution: 16mm
THEY LIE BUT THEY DON'T MEAN IT
1977 / b&w / sound / single screen / 11' 00 / 38 €
distribution: 16mm