E. Francis Thompson (January 3, 1908 – December 26, 2003) was an American director, producer, and writer known for his multi-screen and giant-screen filmography.

(1964), and City Out of Wilderness (1974) and is credited with making the first IMAX film, To Fly (1976).

[citation needed] In many of his films, Thompson employs a variety of kaleidoscopic lenses, distorting devices, and secretive techniques, turning his work into more of an abstract art installation than feature film.

He won the 1965 Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) for To Be Alive!

[6] He was a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with a 50-year career in filmmaking, retiring in 1987.