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 25 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 "The Community" (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 family stood by his side during his final days. We would like to thank those who supported him through this long and sometimes lonely fight.

Dear friends, a few hours after his 90th birthday Peter has left us with his films to dwell on the sad state of the planet and how to act to save it. His wife, Vida Urbonavičius, his sons, Gerard and Patrick, family and close friends will hold an intimate memorial service on Friday 7th of November from 13h45 to 14h15 in Ajain, (Creuse), at the Crématorium de Guéret, route de Guéret, 23380 Ajain; (t:+33 (0)5 55 61 01 95) where people who have known him can join us in this simple farewell. 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”.

Chers amis, quelques heures après son 90e anniversaire, Peter nous a quittés, laissant derrière lui ses films qui témoignent du triste état de notre planète et des actions à entreprendre pour la sauver. Son épouse, Vida Urbonavičius, son fils Gerard et Patrick, sa famille et ses proches organiseront une cérémonie commémorative intime le Vendredi 7 Octobre de 13h45 à 14h15. Ajain en Creuse au Crématorium de Guéret, route de Guérét, 23380, Ajain; (t:+33 (0)5 55 61 01 95) le Vendredi 7 novembre de 13h45 à 14h15. Où celles et ceux qui l’ont connu peuvent venir lui dire une dernier adieu. Vous pouvez adresser vos messages de sympathie, photos et condoléances à peterwatkinsfilms@gmail.com. Veuillez noter que ces contributions pourraient être utilisés pour une prochaine commémoration et dans le cadre de la future « Fondation Peter Watkins ».

 

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 Watkin's 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.