Lenore Rinder has built a long and accomplished career as an experimental documentary filmmaker. Her work has earned international acclaim and reflects a lifelong commitment to both artistic expression and humanitarian values.
Rinder began her filmmaking journey at UWM’s Peck School of the Arts, earning an MFA in film in 1986 and laying the foundation for a practice that has taken her across the globe.
Rinder describes herself as a humanitarian and animal rights activist, with her films often focusing on animal conservation and extinction. Much of her work centers on endangered species in India and the environmental challenges they face.
“I’m just as concerned with animal extinction as I am with human extinction,” Rinder said. “We’re killing them and poisoning them with fertilizers and chemicals.”
Tigers and monkeys
Her filmography includes “People of the Wild Tiger” (2017), which explores the plight of India’s endangered tiger population — a project for which she received a grant from the Mary L. Nohl Suitcase Export Fund, which is supported by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. She also directed “Kagaraja — Lord of All Animals” (2019), a film about the illegal trade of animals and animal goods in Bangalore.
Rinder is the filmmaker behind the award-winning “Monkey Eden” (2023), which examines human-animal conflict as monkeys increasingly encroach on urban environments. Her most recent project, “Island of Elephants” (2024), documents the challenges elephants face as their habitats disappear.
“I like to dream and shoot film of whatever animal I’m studying,” Rinder said. “I’m studying the conflict with people and their conflict with animals.”
Throughout her career, Rinder has developed strong ties in India, working closely with local guides and communities. She also maintains connections to UWM, having collaborated with alumni such as Yinan Wang (BFA 2017, Film), now a lecturer. Her repeated trips to India have deepened her understanding of the country’s culture and ecology.
“There are all kinds of surprises and wonderful things. I love India; the people are really kind and helpful to me,” Rinder said. “As an artist, I think the colors are beautiful, and everywhere you go — from the markets to the parties — celebrations are always happening.”
Cinematic journey began at UWM
The Peck School’s Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres is recognized for its focus on experimental, non-commercial film. Rinder was among the first to attend and graduate from what is now known as the Cinematic Arts MFA program. Her time at UWM shaped her artistic approach and understanding of the medium.
“What I learned about film from UWM was a huge eye-opening experience about what film is, what is OK to do in film, and what the media is possible of doing,” Rinder said.
Rinder began her studies at UWM at age 29, after earning a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Macalester College and working a series of photography jobs. When she started graduate school, she had little exposure to experimental film.
“When I started graduate school, I didn’t know anything about experimental films,” Rinder said. “There was a lot of work that went into manual filmmaking. It was a lot of independent black and white filmmakers. I just loved it; it was like photography but moving.”
Since earning her MFA, Rinder has explored several other art forms in addition to film. She is a graphic artist, a published poet and continues to pursue photography. She integrates these creative practices into her filmmaking, seeing them as interconnected expressions of her artistic vision.
A lifelong learner, she encourages others to embrace the creative process, even when it feels uncertain.
“If you’re frustrated or don’t like something, let it sit for a while,” Rinder said. “If you can, leave it for a week. Keep trying and making mistakes, try different things.”
