Arthur J. Bressan, Jr.
One of the pioneers of independent gay cinema in the 1970s and '80s, Arthur J. Bressan, Jr. is best known for his 1985 drama, "Buddies" (the first dramatic feature film about AIDS). Working across multiple genres including documentary, narrative, adult and short form filmmaking, Bressan's boldness and artistry as a writer–director earned him both acclaim and controversy over the course of his decade-long filmmaking career.
Abuse (1983)
Brutally abused by his parents, teenage Thomas finds comfort in associating with a film director who is making a documentary about physical child abuse. The two fall in love, and the elder is faced with the decision of either running away with Thomas or focusing on ... (more)
Brutally abused by his parents, teenage Thomas finds comfort in associating with a film director who is making a documentary about physical child abuse. The two fall in love, and the elder is faced with the decision of either running away with Thomas or focusing on ... (more)
Buddies
(1985)
When 25 year-old gay yuppie David volunteers to be a "buddy" to an AIDS patient, the gay community center assigns him to Robert, a 32 year-old politically impassioned gay gardener abandoned by his friends and lovers. Throughout his visits to Robert's hospital room, ... (more)
When 25 year-old gay yuppie David volunteers to be a "buddy" to an AIDS patient, the gay community center assigns him to Robert, a 32 year-old politically impassioned gay gardener abandoned by his friends and lovers. Throughout his visits to Robert's hospital room, ... (more)
Gay USA
(1977)
Shot on one day by 25 different cameramen across the USA under the co-ordination of Arthur J. Bressan Jr. this film documents Gay Pride parades across the United States in the late 70s. (more)
Shot on one day by 25 different cameramen across the USA under the co-ordination of Arthur J. Bressan Jr. this film documents Gay Pride parades across the United States in the late 70s. (more)
Coming Out (1972)
Similar to his 1977 feature documentary, Gay USA, this debut short from Arthur J. Bressan, Jr. features interviews with participants in San Francisco's 1972 Gay Freedom Day celebration - the first organized gay pride parade in the city. (more)
Similar to his 1977 feature documentary, Gay USA, this debut short from Arthur J. Bressan, Jr. features interviews with participants in San Francisco's 1972 Gay Freedom Day celebration - the first organized gay pride parade in the city. (more)
Arthur J. Bressan Jr.'s Early Super 8 Shorts (2022)
A collection of five early short films by filmmaker Arthur J. Bressan Jr. (more)
A collection of five early short films by filmmaker Arthur J. Bressan Jr. (more)