John Madere

John Madere is an award-winning photographer and documentary filmmaker. His approach to directing documentaries is informed by his experience photographing people all over the world, from every walk of life. John’s spontaneous film interviews can draw out authentic, sometimes intensely personal, impressions. He comments, “The audience sees Rocco’s progress in the course of the film. Of course, while I’m filming, I don’t get to simply enjoy the moment—I want to capture the moment. I’m concentrating on the technical and aesthetic aspects in the frame. It’s been thrilling to see Rocco become so skillful on his board.” John’s 2012 short documentary Montauk features 20 people expressing what they love about Montauk and what it means to them. An official selection of the New York Surf Film Festival that year, it also won Best Documentary at the NYC Downtown Short Film Festival in 2013. John doesn’t consider himself an accomplished surfer, but he is passionate about riding the waves wherever he finds them. Pre-pandemic, he completed a seven-week ’round-the-world photography assignment. Eleven cities on six continents later, photography and filmmaking for his clients and his art remain John’s primary obsession.