Henry-Alex Rubin's life was marked by a unique blend of European and American influences, shaped by his French mother and American father, renowned art historian James H. Rubin. This cultural duality played a significant role in shaping his artistic perspective and creative endeavors.
Rubin's foray into the world of film began with his studies at Phillips Academy, Andover, and later at Columbia University. His early exposure to the art of filmmaking laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
Henry-Alex Rubin's directorial debut, Who is Henry Jaglom?, a humorous cult film, premiered on PBS and First Run Features, featuring an all-star cast, including Candice Bergen and Dennis Hopper. This early success was followed by his work on Freestyle, a documentary that showcased the talents of Mos Def, The Roots, and Biggie, and went on to win several prestigious awards, including Best Documentary at the Woodstock, LAIFF, and Urbanworld Film Festivals.
Rubin's collaborative spirit was evident in his co-direction of Murderball, a documentary that explored the world of wheelchair rugby, alongside novelist Dana Adam Shapiro. Murderball won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival and received an Academy Award nomination.
Henry-Alex Rubin's mentorship under James Mangold, the acclaimed director of Walk the Line, further honed his skills, as he worked as Second Unit director on several films, including Cop Land and Girl, Interrupted.
Rubin's next project, a fiction film, is set to begin production in the spring of 2007, and will focus on the lives of returning Iraq War veterans. His signing with SMUGGLER for directing commercials further solidifies his position as a versatile and talented filmmaker.
