Aaron Brookner’s heartfelt documentary about his uncle, film-maker Howard Brookner, is a personal odyssey that intertwines the present day with snapshots of the New York of the late 70s and early 80s. Howard Brookner, who died of Aids in 1989 on the brink of a promising film career, existed in a bohemian, creative New York subculture alongside the likes of Jim Jarmusch and poet John Giorno. His first film, a documentary about William S Burroughs, marked him out as a talented and creative voice. His third and final picture, Bloodhounds of Broadway, starred Madonna and gave a hint of the potential that was snuffed out when Howard was just 34. His nephew was seven at the time. Aaron’s quest to get to know the beloved uncle he lost is the journey that drives the picture, but his tendency to make the film about himself rather than Howard is misjudged.
