Biography

Pierre-Dominique Gaisseau was a French documentary filmmaker and explorer, best known for his pioneering work in ethnographic cinema. Born in Charleville-Mézières, he began his career as a journalist and photographer before venturing into filmmaking. Gaisseau led several expeditions to remote regions, documenting indigenous cultures. His most acclaimed work, Le Ciel et la Boue (The Sky Above, the Mud Below) (1961), chronicled a seven-month expedition through uncharted territories of Netherlands New Guinea. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1962. Gaisseau's other notable works include La Forêt sacrée (1954) and Only One New York (1964). His films are celebrated for their authentic portrayal of indigenous cultures and adventurous spirit.