ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Documentary 'I Am Martin Parr' Captures Photographer's Relentless Career and British Iconography

publication · 2026-04-19

The newly released documentary 'I Am Martin Parr' focuses on British photographer Martin Parr, who is 72 years old and recovering from cancer. Directed by Lee Shulman, the film explores Parr's extensive career that commenced in the 1980s with 'The Last Resort.' Over the years, his photography has been showcased in more than 80 exhibitions and published in 145 books. Shulman and Parr first connected at the Arles Photography Festival in 2018, leading to their collaboration on 'Déjà View.' The documentary includes a road trip coinciding with King Charles III's coronation, revisiting significant sites from Parr's past. Notable contributors include Grayson Perry and David Walliams. Despite facing early criticism, Parr continues to be an influential figure in photography. Shulman is the founder of The Anonymous Project.

Key facts

  • Martin Parr is a British photographer active since the 1980s.
  • His series 'The Last Resort' brought him public attention in the 1980s.
  • Parr's work has been shown in over 80 exhibitions globally.
  • He has published photographs in more than 145 books.
  • The documentary 'I Am Martin Parr' is directed by Lee Shulman.
  • Parr is 72 years old and in cancer recovery, using a Rollator.
  • Shulman and Parr met at the Arles Photography Festival in 2018.
  • The documentary includes a road trip across the U.K. during King Charles III's coronation.

Entities

Artists

  • Martin Parr
  • Lee Shulman
  • Alan Bennett
  • Donald McGill
  • Grayson Perry
  • David Walliams
  • James Mottram

Institutions

  • Arles Photography Festival
  • The Anonymous Project
  • Magnum Photos
  • Aesthetica Magazine

Locations

  • New Brighton
  • England
  • Paris
  • France
  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Vietnam

Sources