Skip to main content
  • Ruling Expected Soon in Fresno Elephant Rights Case
  • Happy the person (AEON)
  • NhRP Supports New Bill to End the Capture And Breeding of Whales for Public Display
  • LA Times: “For too long, we’ve salved our consciences with tepid animal welfare laws”
  • Legal Fight to Free Happy Continues in New York
  • “The most important animal-rights case of the 21st century”
  • NhRP Seminar Series
  • NhRP Interview Series
<
>
Blog

Back to nonhumanrights.org

  • Donate
  • Shop   ↗

Back to nonhumanrights.org

  • About NhRP
    • Meet the Team
    • Our Story
    • FAQ
    • Unlocking the Cage
    • Media Center
    • Contact Us
  • Our Work
    • Litigation
    • Legislation + Advocacy
    • Education
    • The Fight to #FreeTheFresnoElephants
    • Free Happy Now
  • Progress
  • Blog
Photo: Lukas Maverick Greyson

Stories

On The Passing of D A Pennebaker

By Steven Wise on August 4, 2019
Share this story:

With great sadness I acknowledge the passing of my dear friend, the great filmmaker, D A Pennebaker.

I had the privilege of knowing and working with Penny and his equally talented wife, Chris Hegedus, during the years it took them to make the HBO film, Unlocking the Cage, about the work of the Nonhuman Rights Project and through our long pilgrimage through numerous film festivals. During those filming years I would often ask Penny what the film was about and he would invariably respond, “You tell me.” And, of course, I would lift the Oscar he received for Lifetime Achievement when I visited him at his office. He would never allow me to carry his suitcases, even though he was 90 years old. In this and in other ways he showed me how one can grow old in a dignified way, adventuresome and intensely curious. And he evolved into an animal rights advocate right before my eyes. In the time since I have never failed to see if Penny and Chris were available to spend time together whenever I passed through New York City, and they often were. Penny eventually began teaching a masters class for me on early 20th century jazz and blues. He would pluck one of the thousands of 78s he had on his wall, spin it on the stereo, and talk me through the music and the musician, many of whom he had known.

I will miss him keenly and send my deepest condolences to Chris and his entire, large, family, all of whom I hope to keep seeing for a very long time. Goodbye my friend.

Steven Wise is the founder and president of the NhRP, representing nonhuman animals in the courtroom and serving as lead spokesperson for the organization’s work.

Must Reads

  • Why Happy needs and deserves sanctuary in Campaigns, Cases
  • Amicus Support for the Fight to #FreeHappy in Cases
  • Where is Tommy the Chimp? in News
  • Why We Fight for Nonhuman Rights: Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut’s Story Part 1 in Stories
  • “The key is ending injustice, period” in Interviews

Get Involved

Subscribe to our email list to receive updates and learn about events and volunteer opportunities in your area.

Nonhuman Rights Project

We are the only civil rights organization in the United States dedicated solely to securing rights for nonhuman animals.

5195 NW 112th Terrace
Coral Springs, FL 33076
Tax ID #: 04-3289466

Sign up to receive updates

© 2023 Nonhuman Rights Project, all rights reserved.

  • Privacy

Follow us to get updates