Ralph Steiner
Ralph Steiner (February 8, 1899 – July 13, 1986) was an American photographer, pioneering documentarian, and a prominent figure in the avant-garde film movement of the 1930s. Known for his innovative approach to visual storytelling, Steiner's work in both still photography and film helped shape the development of American documentary filmmaking. He is perhaps best remembered for his groundbreaking films like H2O (1933) and The City (1939), which showcased his unique ability to merge aesthetics with social and environmental themes. His avant-garde style, blending abstract imagery with real-world subjects, pushed the boundaries of both documentary and experimental cinema. Throughout his career, Steiner was deeply committed to using film as a means to reflect the complexities of modern life and human experience.
Acting
Crew
Movie
H₂O
Director
1929
Movie
Mechanical Principles
Director
1930
Movie
The Plow That Broke the Plains
Director of Photography
1936
Movie
The City
Director
1939
Movie
Pie in the Sky
Director
1935
Movie
Surf and Seaweed
Director
1931
Movie
Hands
Director
1934
Movie
People of the Cumberland
Cinematography
1937
Movie
Look Park
Director
1974
Movie
The World Today: The Black Legion - Shadow of Fascism Over America
Director
1937
Movie
Panther Woman of the Needle Trades, or The Lovely Life of Little Lisa
Director
1931
Youth Gets a Break
Camera Operator
1941