presented in association with the Roxie Theatre and Canyon Cinema
Admission ($10): Advanced tickets available here.
Cinematheque members receive 25% off advance tickets! Please contact sfc@sfcinematheque.org for our discount code!
Introduction by artist Jason Jenn, who will be performing an excerpt of his one man show ECSTASY FOR EVERYONE, inspired by the work of James Broughton.
Big Joy is a chronicle of the iconoclastic life of gay poet, filmmaker, and spiritual visionary James Broughton, one of the defining voices of the sexual revolution, whose groundbreaking artistic celebrations of sexuality and the body influenced generations of the 1960s and '70s to profoundly embrace life and "follow your own weird."
A charismatic and visionary poet and filmmaker who emerged in the artistic renaissance of post—WWII San Francisco, James Broughton led a completely unconventional existence in his lifelong quest for creative artistry, sexual and spiritual love and an evolved state of happiness. BIG JOY is a celebratory mosaic of Broughton’s deeply intertwined creative and personal lives, vividly depicted through his involvement with a wide array of artists, activists and spiritual guides.
Directed by Eric Slade, Stephen Silha and Dawn Logsdon. USA. 2013. Digital. 82 mins.
About the filmmakers
Stephen Silha, producer and co-director, is a freelance writer, facilitator, and futurist who has made a practice of communicating about what makes communities and relationships work. He has reported for The Christian Science Monitor, the Minneapolis Star, and Yes! Magazine. He knew James Broughton, and was present at his death in 1999. Inspired by Broughton’s philosophy, life and work, he began a biography project which morphed into this film and multi-media project.
Eric Slade, co-director and producer, is an independent producer/director based in Portland, OR who has extensive experience with PBS. His independent documentary work includes Hope Along the Wind: The Story of Harry Hay (2002), The Impact of AIDS, Housing the American Dream, Safety in Numbers, Sex Life, and Acting Up for Prisoners.
Jason Jenn is an LA-based performance artist, director, designer, and event planner who was inspired by the film BIG JOY and reading James Broughton’s poetry to create performance events using Broughton’s poetry and films, bringing them a vibrant contemporary feel.