Directing

Arthur J. Bressan, Jr.

Born May 27, 1943 · New York City, New York, USA

Died July 29, 1987 · aged 44

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 deca…

Known For

Gay USA

Gay USA · 1977

MovieDocumentary

Documentary about the gay rights movement during the year of 1977, capturing the intersections of diversity in queer life; from vox pop style interviews with lesbian feminists, street drag queens, and straight allies to taking a look at the fight against Anita Bryant and her notorious "Save Our Children" campaign.

Buddies

Buddies · 1985

David, a naive graduate student, has volunteered to work as a 'buddy' for people dying of AIDS. Assigned to the intensely political Robert, a lifelong activist whose friends and family have abandoned him following his diagnosis, the two men, each with notably different world views, soon discover common bonds, as David's inner activist awakens and Robert's need for emotional release is fulfilled.

Thank You, Mr. President: The Press Conferences of JFK

Thank You, Mr. President: The Press Conferences of JFK · 1983

Thank You, Mr. President: The Press Conferences of JFK

MovieHistoryDocumentary

JFK documentary directed by Arthur J. Bressan Jr.

Abuse

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 his career and thereby letting the boy possibly be beaten to death.

Coming Out

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.

Filmography

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Gay USA

Gay USA · 1977

MovieDocumentary

Documentary about the gay rights movement during the year of 1977, capturing the intersections of diversity in queer life; from vox pop style interviews with lesbian feminists, street drag queens, and straight allies to taking a look at the fight against Anita Bryant and her notorious "Save Our Children" campaign.

Director

Buddies

Buddies · 1985

David, a naive graduate student, has volunteered to work as a 'buddy' for people dying of AIDS. Assigned to the intensely political Robert, a lifelong activist whose friends and family have abandoned him following his diagnosis, the two men, each with notably different world views, soon discover common bonds, as David's inner activist awakens and Robert's need for emotional release is fulfilled.

Writer

Thank You, Mr. President: The Press Conferences of JFK

Thank You, Mr. President: The Press Conferences of JFK · 1983

Thank You, Mr. President: The Press Conferences of JFK

MovieHistoryDocumentary

JFK documentary directed by Arthur J. Bressan Jr.

Director

Abuse

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 his career and thereby letting the boy possibly be beaten to death.

Director

Coming Out

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.

Director