Per Jonson

Camera

Born: April 11, 1910

Birthplace: Kristiania [now Oslo], Norway

Per Gunnar "PeGe" Jonson was a Norwegian cinematographer, and also worked as a producer and director. Although he initially pursued engineering studies, he became involved in sports, serving as coach for the Polish national ski jumping team from 1933. His affiliation with ski jumping led to his engagement as a film assistant during the production of the official film documenting the 1936 Winter Olympics. In 1938, Jonson was appointed chief cinematographer at Norsk Film A/S, Norway’s leading film production company at the time. During the Second World War, his connection to the military led to his appointment as head of the film unit within the Norwegian Armed Forces High Command in 1943. He documented both Atlantic convoy missions and the battles in Walcheren, and was later awarded several military honors for his contributions. Throughout the postwar period and into the late 1950s, Jonson was involved in a number of Norwegian film productions. Toward the end of his career, however, he suffered financial losses through unsuccessful attempts at independent filmmaking. In a dramatic turn, he attempted to rob the Postgiro office in Tollbugata, Oslo, in 1960, for which he served a five-month prison sentence in 1961.