Stones in Exile

Director: Stephen Kijak

Year: 2023

An exploration of Hollywood and LGBTQ+ identity, examining the life of legendary actor Rock Hudson, from his public “ladies’ man” persona to his private life as a gay man.<br /> Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2023 - Documentary Competition - World premiere

Director: Stephen Kijak

Year: 2019

Based on the memoir written in 2017 by Sid Luft, the third of Judy Garland's five husbands, about their years together, during which he was involved with her film A STAR IS BORN and her career as a concert performer. <br /> Official Selection Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival 2019 - World premiere<br /> Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2019 - Create Strand

Director: Stephen Kijak

Year: 2016

The music never had to be explained. For childhood friends Yoshiki and Toshl, forming their band X in 1982 was a way of living through music. Soon they were selling out international stadiums by perfecting their own style of amps-to-11 glam rock dubbed “psychedelic violence crime of visual shock” (imagine Iron Maiden with a David Bowie spirit animal) and connecting with millions of fans.<br /> Their journey to play Madison Square Garden amidst a Beatlemania-shaped maelstrom is expertly captured by director Stephen Kijak and editors Mako Kamitsuna and John Maringouin, who dismantle the kitsch and dig into the cult of personality to reveal a story of misfortune and tragedy that has shadowed the band time and again. Just as it is for their fans, music becomes a lifeblood for X Japan, as they are forced to reinvent and regroup in order to survive. Cameos by artistic giants including Marilyn Manson and David Lynch mark some memorable moments in this roller-coaster musical experience. (Sundance Film Festival brochure)<br /> Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2016 - Sonic Strand