Mark Birnbaum

Background

About Mark Birnbaum

From the Vatican in the Sixties to Nicaragua in the 80’s to Tom DeLay in trouble, Birnbaum’s documentary films have probed, celebrated and exposed people to places and personalities from all over the globe. With "Stop the Presses: The American Newspaper in Peril" he offers "an absorbing account that should appeal to anyone concerned with the future of democracy"(Cinematical). In "Larry v. Lockney"(national broadcast PBS) he tells “a riveting story of good people on both sides trying to do the right thing for their children and their town” (Houston Chronicle)."The Big Buy," about Tom DeLay’s rise and fall, “presents its evidence clearly and with a welcome sense of humor” (New York Times) and is “more feisty and fun than a drunken barbecue in Beaumont” (Tallahassee Democrat)."SLANT45," by turns comical and poignant, offers an intimate look at children who, through ingenuity, courage and spirit, embarked on a year-long journey to identify problems and improve the lives of those around them."Restore" reveals the history, art and science of architectural restoration (Media Award, Preservation Dallas; Educational Award, Preservation Texas). In "SWINGMAN," Firefighter Marshall Allen says when the Grim Reaper came calling, they would find claw marks on the wall where he fought him to the end. A man of his word, Capt. Allen fought back and won. You might just see a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. you would be wrong. His films have chronicled the Second Vatican Council — "The Faithful Revolution"; women trash recyclers in Ecuador — "Las Mujeres del Valle"; American high school kids in China — "Once in a Lifetime"; medical science – "The Inward Eye"; sailboat racing — "Full Sail: Classic Yachts in Antigua"; and salsa dancing — "¡Salsa Caliente!" Recognition includes the George Foster Peabody Broadcasting Award and gold medals from film festivals in Berkeley, Chicago, Houston and Charleston.