The Times of Harvey Milk

Epstein’s film traces the political climate and homophobia that led to the murder of gay rights activist Harvey Milk in San Francisco in 1978: “In the largely gay community around Castro Street, a minority that was at one time ‘invisible’ begins to gain confidence. Those who had once hidden themselves away on account of their being ‘different’ now find the courage to appear in public. One of them, Harvey Milk, emerges as a charismatic personality … until in November 1978 he is murdered in cold blood by a representative of the by no means silent majority who, for the first time, finds himself outvoted.” (Manfred Salzgeber)
The film documents the political career of Harvey Milk. Milk grew up in New York of the 1930s where he worked as an officer and stockbroker. In the early 1970s after a phase as a Hippy and participant in the anti-Vietnam War movement he settled in San Francisco. There he opened a photography store on Castro Street and began to fight for gay civil rights. Harvey Milk was convinced that homophobia and racism could be overcome if minorities would form coalitions and if political offices were held by enlightened-minded people. He ran for city council as an openly gay man. In 1977 the residents of San Francisco elected him to the most influential office. He succeeded in 1978 to pass a referendum that lifted an employment ban on homosexual teachers.
Harvey Milk along with Mayor George Moscone was shot by his colleague and political opponent Dan White. That same night 45,000 people gathered and marched down Castro Street in silence to City Hall.
Rob Epstein's powerful and in-depth documentary is based on interviews, TV reportage, eyewitnesses, and archival material; was awarded an Oscar for Best documentary film in 1985.