John Smith was born in Walthamstow, London in 1952 and studied film at the Royal College of Art, during which time he became a member of the London Filmmakers Co-op. Since 1972 Smith has made over fifty film, video and installation works that have been shown in independent cinemas, art galleries and on television around the world and awarded major prizes at many international film festivals. He received a Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award for Artists in 2011, and in 2013 he was the winner of Film London’s Jarman Award.

Изучал кино в Королевском колледже искусств, еще во время учебы вступил в лондонский кооператив кинематографистов. С 1972 года Смит сделал более пятидесяти фильмов, видео и инсталляций, которые были показаны в независимых кинотеатрах, художественных галереях и на телевидении по всему миру, а также награждены главными призами на многих международных кинофестивалях.