Arthur Hiller (1923–2016)
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Arthur Hiller (right) with Roger Mayer.
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The NFPF joins the film community in mourning Arthur Hiller, who passed away on August 17 at the age of 92. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, and after working in Canadian and American television he went on to direct celebrated and popular films such as The Americanization of Emily (1964), The Out of Towners (1970), Love Story (1970), The Hospital (1971), Silver Streak (1976), and The In-Laws (1979). He served as president of the Directors Guild of America from 1989–93 and of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences from 1993–97. In 2002 he received the Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Mr. Hiller was devoted to the cause of film preservation. He was a founding member of the National Film Preservation Board, serving from 1989 to 2005, and was a friend and ally of Roger Mayer, the founding Chairman of the National Film Preservation Foundation. He was instrumental in helping the NFPF secure vital funding during its first years of operation, most notably through a generous donation from the Directors Guild of America. He also personally contributed to the NFPF and served on its first federal grant panel, where his experience, generosity, and graciousness were deeply appreciated. His commitment to both making and preserving movies will always be admired.