James Broughton (1913-1999) was truly one of a kind. A Dionysian genius who left his creative and idiosyncratic mark on experimental film, on poetry, on San Francisco, and on all those who knew, loved, frolicked with, and learned from him.

James was brilliant at following his own muse wherever it led him. From writing poems and plays to making films, James explored sexuality and spirituality, broke cinematic barriers, and followed his whimsy wholeheartedly. He let his authentic spirit lead him wherever it would, and on his way he touched many people.

Whether you knew James well or have just come to know about him through a poem, a film, or maybe even a "Follow Your Own Weird" bumper sticker, this is a section for you to share your stories of how James and his work have touched your life.

For more about James Broughton's life, work, and the Big Joy documentary now being filmed, please visit us at bigjoy.org.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Gratitude

0 comments Posted by Daniel Foster at 3:02 PM

I never met James Broughton, but I feel him peering over my shoulder each time I make a movie, write a story or pen a poem. He's given me the simple magic of speaking my language and believing in my work - when those affirmations were hard to find.


Thank you James!


- Daniel

 

Friday, September 11, 2009

JB -- Good but not exemplary

0 comments Posted by Stephen Silha at 11:02 PM


Big Joy Project documentary director Eric Slade sets up for an interview in the room where James Broughton taught at San Francisco Art Institute


i met jb in the 60's at the calif art inst. on chestnut street (in sf). he was teaching film there..he was married and i didn't specially like him..

he showed up at the "committee" and went to "herald norse's" parties and got more disconcertingly liberal. the next i saw him 30 years later at a Nomenus gathering in the 90s with his young boyfriend.. he read his penis poems and
everyone liked him.. he didn't remember me...

i wasn't as impressed by him as say "lou harrison", or "allen ginsburg," and his poems, though neat, didn't sink in as well as whitman's "leaves of grass".. suppose he means to me somewhat the same as "ram dass" in that one can change at any stage of life! tho not exemplary in jb's bio...

from :->len who was a queer beat in the 50's..

 

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