The first long feature documentary about iconic writer William S. Burroughs, one of the most radically subversive literary figures of the 20th century and Godfather to the Beat poets such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, is set to be restored and re-released after decades of being out of print.
Brookner and Burroughs, NYFF 1983 (c) Paula Court
In 1989, Howard Brookner died of AIDS in Manhattan. The talented "downtown" New York filmmaker was only 34 years old, although he already had three solid films under his belt: "Bloodhounds on Broadway (1989)," starring Madonna, "Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars (1987),'' and "Burroughs: The Movie (1983)."
After two decades out of print, "Burroughs: The Movie" is finally getting some attention through the work of his devoted nephew, Aaron Brookner. "As I kid I didn’t know about AIDS, so the last couple years of his life left an impression on me. When he died, it shattered the family quite a bit."
The late Howard Brookner began his Burroughs film while in NYU film school in 1978 with his fellow students Jim Jarmusch, who did the sound, and Tom DiCillo on camera. Five years later Brookner had finished Burroughs: The Movie with the help of BBC. ‘Burroughs: The Movie’ features the writer’s close circle of friends including Patti Smith, Allen Ginsberg, Brion Gysin, Francis Bacon, John Giorno, James Grauerholz and Terry Southern. The film premiered at the 1983 New York Film Festival to rave reviews.
Aaron Brookner, who is also a filmmaker, plans to create a film about his uncle’s life called Smash The Control Machine: Howard Brookner & the Western Lands using much of the found footage. “Howard is a strong inspiration and he lived a short but beautiful life full of sardonic wit. He was a great filmmaker and this discovery will allow the world to enjoy his work. I want to honour who he was through the memories of those he influenced, and the films he made.”
The Kickstarter campaign officially launched on December 1st 2012 , to mark World AIDS Day. On December 11, a screening of the film will be held at October Gallery in London.
With 23 days to go, please check out Aaron Brookner's detailed Kickstarter campaign and pledge to support this fantastic project. Help preserve this rare and unique first documentary film about William S Burroughs.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pinball/restoration-of-burroughs-the-movie-by-howard-brook
Source : Huffington Post (with Q&A) and Press Release
After two decades out of print, "Burroughs: The Movie" is finally getting some attention through the work of his devoted nephew, Aaron Brookner. "As I kid I didn’t know about AIDS, so the last couple years of his life left an impression on me. When he died, it shattered the family quite a bit."
The late Howard Brookner began his Burroughs film while in NYU film school in 1978 with his fellow students Jim Jarmusch, who did the sound, and Tom DiCillo on camera. Five years later Brookner had finished Burroughs: The Movie with the help of BBC. ‘Burroughs: The Movie’ features the writer’s close circle of friends including Patti Smith, Allen Ginsberg, Brion Gysin, Francis Bacon, John Giorno, James Grauerholz and Terry Southern. The film premiered at the 1983 New York Film Festival to rave reviews.
Aaron Brookner, who is also a filmmaker, plans to create a film about his uncle’s life called Smash The Control Machine: Howard Brookner & the Western Lands using much of the found footage. “Howard is a strong inspiration and he lived a short but beautiful life full of sardonic wit. He was a great filmmaker and this discovery will allow the world to enjoy his work. I want to honour who he was through the memories of those he influenced, and the films he made.”
The Kickstarter campaign officially launched on December 1st 2012 , to mark World AIDS Day. On December 11, a screening of the film will be held at October Gallery in London.
With 23 days to go, please check out Aaron Brookner's detailed Kickstarter campaign and pledge to support this fantastic project. Help preserve this rare and unique first documentary film about William S Burroughs.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pinball/restoration-of-burroughs-the-movie-by-howard-brook
Source : Huffington Post (with Q&A) and Press Release
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