Nelson Sullivan (1948 – 1989) was an American videographer who documented the art and club scenes of Downtown New York during the 1980s. His videos, recorded on early VHS technology with a handheld camcorder, chronicle both nightlife events and the everyday trials and tribulations of his friends, many of whom would become famous queer icons. Sullivan’s often-overlooked treasure trove of home video work is not only an amazing window into 80s queer New York, but also a pioneering body of work in the home video / diary filmmaking canon (some have called him the first ever vlogger).

Film Diary NYC has put together an 85 minute program of Sullivan’s work with the assistance of Robert Coddington (the archivist who — with the late Dick Richards — preserved and edited Nelson’s videos) and NYU Fales Library.

Film Diary NYC presents: NELSON SULLIVAN
Dir. Nelson Sullivan, 1983 – 1989
USA 85 min.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 – 7PM followed by panel of Nelson Sullivan’s collaborators including Flloyd, Michael Musto and Dj Tennessee after the screening (THIS EVENT IS $10)

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Nelson Sullivan (1948 – 1989) was an American videographer who documented the art and club scenes of Downtown New York during the 1980s. His videos, recorded on early VHS technology with a handheld camcorder, chronicle both nightlife events and the everyday trials and tribulations of his friends, many of whom would become famous queer icons. Sullivan’s often-overlooked treasure trove of home video work is not only an amazing window into 80s queer New York, but also a pioneering body of work in the home video / diary filmmaking canon (some have called him the first ever vlogger)

“If you really want to know what it was like in the 1980s in New York, you have to watch Nelson Sullivan’s videos.” 
– Marvin Taylor, NYU Fales Library and Special Collections

“Nelson Sullivan’s camcorder videos of 1980s queer New York are a rare cultural treasure.”
– Slate

“Sullivan’s videos present an unparalleled look at this thoroughly outrageous and unfortunately long-gone era.”
– VICE

“He was our ambassador.”
– RuPaul