Werner Herzog, born Werner Stipetić on September 5, 1942, in Munich, Germany, is an 83-year-old filmmaker, actor, opera director, and author. He is a leading figure in the New German Cinema movement. Herzog's films often explore protagonists with impossible dreams, individuals in conflict with nature, or those possessing unusual talents. His directing style emphasizes improvisation and placing his cast and crew in real-life situations mirroring the film's themes.
Herzog has directed over 70 feature films, documentaries, and television projects. Some of his most notable works include Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972), Fitzcarraldo (1982), and Grizzly Man (2005). He often collaborates with his brother Lucki Stipetić, who serves as a producer. Herzog has also published over a dozen books and directed numerous operas. Recently, Herzog was honored with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival in 2025. His latest documentary, Ghost Elephants, which he directed, wrote, and narrated, follows the elusive elephants of Lisima, Angola. It is set to be released in North American theaters beginning February 27, 2026, and will be available on National Geographic and streaming platforms in March.