Documentary Filmmaker Kieran Turner Dies at 56

Renowned filmmaker Kieran Turner, acclaimed for his documentary 'Jobriath A.D.,' has died at 56 following a battle with cancer. Turner's work celebrated gay artists, renewing interest in influential figures like Jobriath. His career includes celebrated festival entries and the popular web series 'Wallflowers.'

Kieran Turner, a documentary filmmaker known for his acclaimed film 'Jobriath A.D.,' passed away at the age of 56. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Turner died on December 26 after battling cancer.

Throughout his career, Turner dedicated his work to highlighting the stories of gay artists who left the world too soon. 'Jobriath A.D.' shone a light on the life of the 1970s glam-rock pioneer and the first openly gay rock star who died in 1983 due to AIDS complications. The film played a pivotal role in reviving interest in Jobriath's music, leading to the re-release of his catalogue and earning numerous awards at prestigious festivals such as the Dublin Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Out on Film, the Seattle Queer Film Festival, and the Florida Film Festival.

Turner's debut feature, '24 Nights', written, produced, and directed as his graduate thesis, was showcased at more than 60 festivals globally, winning seven audience awards before its distribution by TLA Releasing. He also created the successful web series 'Wallflowers.' Turner is survived by his cousins on the East Coast and a chosen family of close friends.

(With inputs from agencies.)