Gillo Pontecorvo (November 19 1919 – October 12 2006) was an Italian filmmaker, best known for La battaglia di Algeri (The Battle of Algiers) although he directed several movies before its release in 1966, such as the drama Kapò (1960), which takes place in a World War II concentration camp. His 1969 film, Burn!, starring Marlon Brando and loosely based on the Haitian Revolution has also been increasingly celebrated in recent years.

He was nominated for the Best Director Oscar in 1969 and in that same year won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, both for The Battle of Algiers. In 2000, he received the Pietro Bianchi Award at the Venice Film Festival.

He was also a screenwriter and composer of film scores.