Telling Pictures

Directed By Rob Epstein
Produced by Richard Schmiechen
Narrated by Harvey Fierstein
Academy Award, Best Documentary Feature (1984) 

San Francisco in the 1970s became a battleground between an emerging, vibrant gay movement and the communities who felt threatened by this new gay political muscle.

In 1978, the struggle came to a head when San Francisco's progressive Mayor George Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk—one of the first openly gay elected officials anywhere—were murdered in cold blood by Dan White—a former City Supervisor, fireman, and police officer.

The community's response—ranging from silent vigil to violent riots—helped define gay politics as we know it. The Times of Harvey Milk tells an emotional story of communities in conflict, centered on the last year of Harvey Milk's life.

The Times of Harvey Milk was the inspiration for Gus Van Sant's movie Milk. It will be re-released on DVD by the Criterion Collection in 2011. A study guide will be available later this year.

"One of the great documentaries of our time."
- Leonard Maltin (2004)

"Immensely moving. Combines real emotional urgency with a most compelling grasp of the filmmaking craft."
- Stephen Harvey, Village Voice

"A story told with urgency and passion."
- Janet Maslin, New York Times

 
"Challenging, enthralling, impassioned filmmaking … bri lliant and gripping"
- Sheila Benson, Los Angeles Times

Academy Award
Best Feature Documentary

New York Film Critics Circle Award
Best Documentary

George Foster Peabody Award
University of Georgia School of Journalism

Special Jury Prize
Sundance Film Festival

Grand Prix
Lyon Film Festival