Kieran Turner: Kieran Turner, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker celebrated for his dedication to highlighting LGBTQ+ artists, passed away on December 23 in West Hollywood after battling cancer. He was 56.
Turner gained widespread recognition for his 2012 documentary, Jobriath A.D., which focused on Jobriath, a groundbreaking ’70s glam-rock musician and the first openly gay rock star. Jobriath tragically passed away in 1983 at the age of 36 due to complications from AIDS. Turner’s documentary not only shed light on the artist’s life and career but also reignited interest in Jobriath’s music, leading to a re-release of his catalog. The film earned accolades at numerous festivals, including the Dublin Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Out on Film, the Seattle Queer Film Festival, and the Florida Film Festival.
Throughout his career, Turner’s work consistently spotlighted underrepresented voices. Through his production company, Eight Track Tape Productions, he ventured into both film and television. One of his notable creations was the online television series Wallflowers. Turner served as the creator, writer, producer, and director for the series, which aired for two seasons on the Broadway-centric network Stage17 and is now available on the streaming platform Dekkoo. The series garnered awards at multiple streaming television competitions, further cementing Turner’s reputation as a creative force in the industry.
In addition to his filmmaking achievements, Turner was a 2021 CNN Docuseries Fellow. His screenplay Black Dogs earned a spot on the 2022 Black List, showcasing his talent as a writer. The screenplay is currently in development with Star Thrower Entertainment. Turner’s academic background included both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in fine arts from NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. His debut feature film, 24 Nights, was written, produced, and directed as part of his graduate thesis. The film was screened at over 60 festivals worldwide, winning seven audience awards before its distribution by TLA Releasing.
At the time of his passing, Turner was immersed in his final project, Ghost Lights: Reclaiming Theater in the Age of AIDS. This feature documentary explores the enduring impact of the AIDS epidemic on the theater industry. The project includes over 150 interviews with trailblazing figures and current theater stars. Wise Child Studios, producer Christianne Tisdale, and executive producers Brett Morgan and Jonathan Groff are committed to completing the film in Turner’s honor.
A celebration of Turner’s life is scheduled for January. He is survived by his cousins on the East Coast and a close-knit chosen family of friends who cherished him deeply.
Kieran Turner’s legacy as a filmmaker and advocate for LGBTQ+ stories will continue to inspire future generations. His work remains a testament to his passion for storytelling and commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.