Uncle Howard is an Ode to a Gay New York That Once Was (Exclusive)

From Left: William S. Burroughs and Howard Brookner.

Uncle Howardtells intertwining stories from Howard Brookner's burgeoning film career and untimely death in an AIDS-era Manhattan, as well as filmmaker Aaron Brookner's own quest to uncover lost footage and honor his uncle's legacy.

Over the course of the documentary, Aaron Brookner found footage from his uncle's cult movie about writer William S. Borroughs, home videos, the lost film about Robert Wilson, and behind-the-scenes footage from Bloodhounds of Broadway starring Madonna.

"My mission evolved beyond bringing back Howard's lost first film," said Brookner. "I wanted to use everything that Howard had left behind, including the vivid memories he left with his friends and family, to turn his life story into a movie. To keep his memory alive. To champion his risk-taking spirit of making films and living life to its fullest."

In this exclusive clip, Howard is shown in the blossoming, romantic era of his life with lover Brad Gooch, who narrates how they were finally free to explore their homosexuality in the safe spaces of the Chelsea Hotel in the 1970s.

The film debuts at the IFC Center in New York City this Friday and comes to Los Angeles next month. Check out the full trailer below.