MINESHAFT – THE 
CRUISING MURDERS
This fascinating documentary revisits the controversy 
surrounding William Friedkin’s 1980 thriller Cruising, starring 
Al Pacino, which ignited intense protests from the LGBTQ+ 
community upon its release. Tracing the film’s origins to the 
real-life murder of journalist Addison Verrill after a visit to 
Manhattan’s infamous Mineshaft leather bar, the documentary uncovers the rich history 
of the club, the vibrant pre-AIDS underground gay culture of 1970s New York, and the 
true story that became eclipsed by one of cinema’s most debated depictions of queer life.
Director: Jeffrey Schwarz  Run Time: 84 min  Country: USA
SATURDAY, AUG 22 • 9:15PM
DAY SPONSORED BY:
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026
SHOWN WITH COYOTES
A Palestinian surgeon drives home after a long night shift, but little does she know 
that a commute through a desolate West Bank road will change her forever.
Director: Said Zagha  Run Time: 20 min  Country: Jordan 
CO-PRESENTED BY
45
26TH ANNUAL LGBTQ FILM FESTIVAL

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