Remembering Kieran Turner: Celebrated Filmmaker of ‘Jobriath A.D.’

Kieran Turner, the filmmaker known for “Jobriath A.D.”, dies at 56 from cancer. Notable for his focus on LGBTQ+ artists and the AIDS epidemic, he leaves a legacy through films like “Ghost Lights” and the acclaimed short “24 Nights”. A celebration of his life is scheduled for January.

Kieran Turner, the visionary documentary filmmaker known for his acclaimed work “Jobriath A.D.”, has passed away at the age of 56. His representative confirmed that he succumbed to cancer on December 23 in West Hollywood. As a tribute to his life and art, a celebration of his achievements is scheduled for January,

Turner’s 2012 documentary chronicles the illustrious yet tragic journey of Jobriath, often regarded as the first openly gay rock star, reigniting interest in his music. His dedication to giving voice to marginalized artists was profound, as seen in his latest project, “Ghost Lights: Reclaiming Theater in the Age of AIDS”, which will now be finalized by his creative partners.

Born from a foundation of artistic excellence, Turner earned his BFA and MFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. His graduate thesis film, “24 Nights”, gained international recognition and was one of the first Christmas films to portray a gay love story. Further expanding his portfolio, he created the web series “Wallflowers”, which is now available on Dekkoo.

Artistry in Turner’s work was accompanied by accolades, including a spot on the 2022 Black List for his screenplay “Black Dogs”, which is currently in development. Known for his insights and reflections on the lives of gay artists, Turner’s contributions will continue to resonate long after his untimely departure.

Kieran Turner was a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the arts. His work often focused on reclaiming the legacies of artists who faced adversity, particularly within the gay community. By shining a light on Jobriath and the effects of the AIDS epidemic on theater, Turner played a crucial role in highlighting important narratives that had been overlooked or forgotten. His dedication to documentary filmmaking stemmed from a desire to celebrate these stories and make them accessible to the public.

Kieran Turner leaves behind a legacy defined by his commitment to documenting the lives of extraordinary, yet often overlooked, artists. His exploration of Jobriath’s life and the impact of AIDS on theater reflects his deep empathy and understanding of marginalized voices. As his works continue to inspire future generations, Turner’s contributions to film and documentary storytelling will remain invaluable.

Original Source: deadline.com