The family of Peter Watkins, including his wife, sons, relatives, and grandchildren, is saddened to announce his passing on October 31, 2025 at the Bourganeuf Hospital, near Felletin (23, Creuse) where he had resided for more than 18 years.
Unique, engaged filmmaker, author, among others, of "The Battle of Culloden", "The Bomb", "Privilege", "The Gladiators", "Punishment Park", "Edvard Munch, the Dance of Life", "The Journey", "The Free Thinker" and "La Commune" (Paris, 1871)", and author of the book "The Media Crisis" on the overwhelming role of audiovisual mass media in current social, political and ecological disasters. Thinker of the groundbreaking concept of "mono-form" imposed by the mainstream media, denouncing the lack of critical thinking in educational settings, warning about the race to nuclear weapons and repressive mechanisms of control, he has kept pushing the boundaries between documentary and fiction. Peter Watkins fought to the end, uncompromising and without concessions. Throughout his life, he lived censorship and exile. The world of cinema is losing one of its most incisive, inventive, and unclassified sights. He had just turned 90. He passed away peacefully into the night. His wife, Vida Urbonavičius, his sons, Gerard and Patrick, family and close friends stood by his side during his final days. We would like to thank those who supported him through this long and sometimes lonely fight.
Kind words, pictures, and condolences can be sent to peterwatkinsfilms@gmail.com. Please note that these contributions could be used for an upcoming commemoration and in the framework of the planned “Peter Watkins Foundation”.
Peter Watkins on the set of La Commune (Photos by Corrina Paltrinieri)
Administrative work, as well as the rights to the moral and intellectual ownership of Peter's work (being part of his legacy), is handled by his sons Patrick and Gerard Watkins, who will respond to future messages and requests via peterwatkinsfilms@gmail.com. Please note, this e-mail address is the direct way of contacting Patrick regarding the availability of Peter's films.
Formerly, beginning in the 1960s, Peter Watkins' films were shown either on TV, in cinemas, or as DVDs. The ongoing suppression of his work and the increasing standardization of film form, means that TV no longer shows his work. With the marked exception of Doriane Films in Paris, (see below) DVDs of Peter's work are seldom available, and his films are rarely invited into cinemas for theatrical screenings. To prevent the literal disappearance of his work, therefore, and with the invaluable aid of the former Canadian distributor Oliver Groom, over the past few years Peter built up a collection of digital FILE copies. These files are the versions which Patrick and Gerard will now be handling, and which will be available under certain conditions for showing in cinemas, small group screenings, and for use in media education.
As noted above, the only available DVD copies of Peter Watkin's work are French-only, distributed by Doriane Films in Paris, France. www.capuseen.com
Tel: ++33 (0) 1 44 74 77 11.
For these, please contact Doriane directly.
Thank you very much for your support.
Gerard Watkins, Patrick Watkins & Vida Urbonavičius,
November, 2025.