Jethro Waters

Jethro Waters is an American independent filmmaker, known for the documentary feature F11 and Be There (2020)^[1] and the narrative feature Gunfighter Paradise (2024).^[2] He is a screenwriter, director, cinematographer, editor, producer, and composer.^[3]

He is also known for directing music videos for various artists, including John Cale, Weyes Blood^[4] and Angel Olsen.^[5]

Known for a lyrical, experimental, and surrealist style that spans multiple genres,^[6] his films are representative of an auteur method, with his cinematography being praised by critics as a distinctive element of his work. His satirical narrative feature Gunfighter Paradise has been described as a dark comedy, horror, and mystery film^[7] that explores themes of religion, grief, family, and The American South.^[8]

His documentary films have often focused on artists and photographers.^[9] He won an Emmy Award for the documentary feature F11 and Be There 2021 Midsouth Emmy Awards.^[10]

Waters was born in Texas and raised in North Carolina.^[11] He attended West Lincoln High School in Lincolnton, North Carolina, and is a notable alumni of University of North Carolina at Asheville.^[12][13]