Orlando von Einsiedel[1] (born in August 1980)[2] is a British film director. He directs mostly documentary films that investigate global social issues, and has filmed in various places around the world, including Africa, Asia, America and the Arctic. Von Einsiedel became known for his award winning film Virunga, produced with the cooperation of Virunga National Park director Prince de Merode.
Early life
Von Einsiedel is the grandson of Wittgo von Einsiedel (a second cousin to Heinrich Graf von Einsiedel, who descends from Otto von Bismarck) and Walburga von Obersdorff.[1] His father, Andreas Jean-Paul von Einsiedel, was a photographer specialising in architecture and interiors.[3] Von Einsiedel grew up in Forest Hill, London, with his mother (Harriet), a British music therapist. He attended Alleyn's, an independent school in East Dulwich, London.[4]
Von Einsiedel spent several years as a professional snowboarder,[15][4][16] travelling the world promoting the brand names of various sponsors through media engagements, photo/video shoots and competitions. During this period, he was given the nickname 'Jill Dando', due to the rhyme connection between his name and hers.[4]