Al Ruban was an American photographer, producer, and director, and a key figure in American independent cinema. He began his career as a successful fashion photographer, shooting editorials for prestigious magazines such as *Vogue* and *Harper's Bazaar*. His name is inextricably linked to that of director John Cassavetes, for whom he was a close collaborator and friend. As a producer, he contributed to the making of masterpieces such as *Faces* (1968), *A Woman Under the Influence* (1974), *The Killing of a Chinese Bookie* (1976), and *Opening Night* (1977). These films, which garnered numerous international awards and Academy Award nominations, are considered milestones in auteur cinema. Ruban also directed the cult film *Cisco Pike* (1972). After Cassavetes' death, he married actress Gena Rowlands, remaining by her side until his own death.