Filmmaker and writer about gay and lesbian issues and the AIDS crisis, born June 1, 1954 and died from the complications of AIDS on May 7, 1991.
With Jane Lippman, he produced and directed "Rights and Reactions: Lesbian and Gay Rights on Trial," an award-winning documentary covering the 1986 New York City Council hearings on the gay rights bill. Zwickler collaborated with David Wojnarowicz to produce "Fear of Disclosure," a short film about the issues gay men face dating in the context of AIDS. Zwickler also worked with experimental German film maker, Rosa von Praunheim, to produce "Silence Equals Death" and "Positive," both exploring the emotions and anger of people with AIDS. The film "Positive" includes interviews with Zwickler and two other men who were HIV-positive. He produced his final project, "The Needle Nightmares" (1991), with the help of David Meieran. Zwickler also worked as a news reporter, publishing stories in the Village Voice and serving as editor of the People with AIDS Coalition Newsline for a number of years. Before working in film and journalism, he taught literature in New York City public schools and community colleges.
From the description of Phil Zwickler papers, circa 1979-1993. (Cornell University Library). WorldCat record id: 73965778
