Mark Borchardt

Mark Borchardt (born August 20, 1966) is an American independent filmmaker. He gained recognition as the subject of the 1999 documentary film American Movie, which chronicled his three-year journey of writing, shooting, and editing his horror short film, Coven (1997). Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Borchardt developed a passion for filmmaking at a young age. After receiving a super-8 camera as a gift, he began creating films at the age of fourteen. Following his military service, Borchardt pursued his cinematic aspirations at a local university. He also wrote and produced Halloween radio dramas, earning a fellowship from the Milwaukee Art Futures Board. Filmmakers Chris Smith and Sarah Price captured Borchardt's journey while he was seeking funding for his unfinished feature film Northwestern, ultimately leading him to complete Coven.