Jeffrey Friedman (filmmaker)

Jeffrey Friedman is an American film and television director, producer, writer, and editor, often working in collaboration with Rob Epstein. He is best known for his documentary work, particularly films exploring LGBTQ+ themes and social issues.

Friedman and Epstein's collaborations have earned them critical acclaim and numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Documentary Feature: The Times of Harvey Milk (1984) and Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt (1989). The Times of Harvey Milk documented the life and assassination of gay rights activist Harvey Milk, while Common Threads told stories of individuals affected by the AIDS epidemic.

Other notable collaborations between Friedman and Epstein include:

• Paragraph 175 (2000): A documentary exploring the Nazi persecution of homosexuals.
• Crime of Innocence (1986): Focused on child sexual abuse cases.
• End Game (2018): A Netflix documentary following doctors and patients navigating end-of-life care.

In addition to their documentary work, Friedman and Epstein have also directed narrative films, including Howl (2010), a biographical drama about the Beat poet Allen Ginsberg and the controversy surrounding his poem of the same name.

Friedman’s work is characterized by its focus on social justice, human rights, and historical events. He and Epstein are recognized for their contributions to documentary filmmaking and their advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.