George Ratliff is a renowned American filmmaker and descendant of the high plains town of Amarillo, Texas, tracing his lineage back to the fifth generation. He hails from the culturally rich and diverse city of Amarillo, where he developed a strong sense of regional identity. Ratliff's educational background is impressive, as he earned a degree from the University of Texas at Austin, a prestigious institution known for its academic excellence and research opportunities.
Following his graduation, Ratliff quickly made a name for himself in the film industry by releasing his debut feature, "Plutonium Circus", a documentary that delved into the fascinating and often bizarre world surrounding the Pantex Nuclear Bomb Plant, Amarillo's largest employer. This critically acclaimed film earned Ratliff widespread recognition, winning the Best Documentary Feature prize at the prestigious South by Southwest Film Festival and receiving a theatrical release.
Ratliff's subsequent documentary feature, "Hell House", continued his exploration of the extraordinary, focusing on the construction of a massive Christian-themed haunted house at a megachurch outside of Dallas, Texas. This documentary further solidified Ratliff's reputation as a masterful storyteller, capable of capturing the essence of the human experience in all its complexity.
Beyond his documentary work, Ratliff has ventured into the realm of narrative filmmaking, crafting thought-provoking and visually stunning features. His films, including "Joshua", "Salvation Boulevard", and "Welcome Home", have debuted at prominent film festivals such as the Sundance Film Festival, showcasing his versatility and range as a filmmaker.
