Frederick Wiseman, recognized as a master of documentary filmmaking, died on the 16th at the age of 96 at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His death was reported by the New York Times among other outlets. Born on January 1, 1930, in Boston, Wiseman's career in film began after he navigated a complex path involving military service and education, attending Yale Law School to avoid the draft during the Korean War, before successfully applying to study law at Sorbonne University in Paris.

Wiseman's documentary style is noted for its observational approach, focusing on institutions and social issues over narrative drama. His films include the acclaimed "Titicut Follies" and "Hospital," which exemplify his distinctive method of immersing viewers in the realities of different social environments. Throughout his career, he offered a profound insight into American society through a lens that balanced critique with empathy, making his works influential in both documentary filmmaking and broader cultural discourse.

His passing marks the end of an era for many in the film community, who looked to Wiseman’s filmography not only for artistic inspiration but also for a call to engage more thoughtfully with the complexities of contemporary life. His influence on both students and aspiring filmmakers will likely echo in the documentary genre for years to come.