Just a few weeks after the death of Bruce Sinofsky, the documentary world has suffered another tremendous loss as legendary non-fiction filmmaker Albert Maysles has passed away. The cause of death was not specified but he was known to have been battling pancreatic cancer as of late. Albert Maysles, along with his brother David, popularized the cinema verite style throughout the ’60s and ’70s and redefined what documentaries could be with such influential movies as Salesman, Grey Gardens and the Rolling Stones concert film Gimme Shelter. Maysles was 88 years old.

News of Maysles’ death was first confirmed via The Criterion Collection Facebook page, which posted the following statement earlier today:

“Our dear friend Albert Maysles passed away last night at the age of 88. We saw things through his lens that we will never forget. He was a filmmaker up until the end. We loved him and will miss him terribly.”

His brother David died in 1987, but Albert continued to work as a director and cinematographer right up until his own death. Some of his more recent films include The Gates, Iris and the ESPN 30 for 30 episode “Muhammad and Larry”. His final film In Transit is expected to be released later this year. Coincidentally, Grey Gardens is currently being re-released this weekend and seems like a great way to celebrate his work. What are your favourite Maysles Brothers films?