Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1968-08-25
- Born Place: London, England, UK
Bernard MacMahon
Bernard MacMahon is a British-Irish filmmaker renowned for his immersive documentaries that explore the roots of American music. Born in London, MacMahon developed an early interest in American cinema and music, particularly the early 20th-century blues and gospel genres. He began creating 8mm short films at the age of 12 and later studied at Winchester College. His debut film, American Epic, released in 2017, is a critically acclaimed documentary series that delves into the first recordings of roots music in the United States during the 1920s. The series won the Audience Award at the Sydney International Film Festival and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction. MacMahon's subsequent project, The American Epic Sessions, featured contemporary artists recording on a restored 1920s-era recording machine, earning a Grammy Award and the Audience and Discovery Awards at the Calgary International Film Festival. In 2025, MacMahon directed Becoming Led Zeppelin, the first officially sanctioned documentary about the iconic rock band. The film, co-written with producer Allison McGourty, offers an in-depth look at the band's early years, utilizing rare archival footage and interviews with surviving members. MacMahon's work is characterized by meticulous research, innovative storytelling, and a deep appreciation for musical history.
