Elena Mannes

Elena Mannes is a multi-award winning documentary director/writer/producer as well as an author. Her first book, "The Power of Music: Pioneering Discoveries in the New Science of Song, is published by Walker Books/Bloomsbury USA (May 31, 2011). Her work has appeared on both public and commercial television. Her honors include six national Emmys, a George Foster Peabody Award, two Directors Guild of America Awards, and nine Cine Golden Eagles. Mannes developed and created a primetime PBS special, "The Music Instinct: Science and Song" a Co-production with WNET/Thirteen. She was also co-Executive Producer as well as Director/Writer/Producer of the two-hour program which aired on PBS in June 2009. "The Music Instinct" explores recent discoveries about the ower of music and its connection to the body, the brain and to the world of nature. This exciting cross-genre special features world-famous musicians including Bobby McFerrin, Maestro Daniel Barenboim, Yo-Yo Ma and Evelyn Glennie as well as visionary scientists. "The Music Instinct" was recently honored with the Grand Prix for best film in competition at the Parisscience International Film Festival. It has also won a Cine Golden Eagle, the Cine Special Jury Prize for Arts & Culture, and the the BANFF award for best Science and Technology film.