Screenplay: Martha Swetzoff, Jane Gillooly, Karen Scmeer.
Cinematography: Jane Gillooly, Martha Swetzoff.
Editing: Karen Schmeer. Music: David Torn.
Producers: Jane Gillooly, Martha Swetzoff.
16mm B&W-Colour 54'

A real life story of murder, secrets and sexuality, set in the art world of the 50's and 60's, Theme: Murder takes the viewer on an immersive journey into the struggles and frustrations of living with an unsolved homicide. The filmmaker was nine years old in 1968 when her father, the Boston art dealer Hyman Swetzoff, was beaten and left to die in his home. Martha's search to make sense of her father's unsolved murder frames an wide-ranging inquiry into attitudes toward victims and survivors of homicide, the price of homophobia, and the problematic relationship between families and law enforcement. Includes interviews with crime fiction author James Ellroy and the Boston Cold Case Squad.


by Martha Swetzoff, Jane Gillooly


Appropriate for: College/University
54 minutes - VHS
54 minutes - 16 mm


REVIEWS

"Filmmaker Martha Swetzoff generously takes the audience into the emotions and wisdoms known only to those who have lost a loved-one to murder. THEME: MURDER leaves us with a mystery, but also with many answers about ourselves and our society."
-Gavin de Becker
Author, The Gift of Fear

"A powerful documentary which is important for any individual or family who has experienced the loss of a loved one to violent death, experienced grief, or wishes to understand the aftermath of violence in our society. Themes of darkness and light are interwoven in this compelling portrait which may challenge the viewer about the most basic of life assumptions."
Bette Spear
Director, OMEGA Homicide Bereavement Program


PURCHASE OR RENT
54 min./ VHS
Institutions (Colleges/Universities) $200
Community Groups/ Public Libraries/ High Schools $100
Rental $80
54 min./ 16 mm
Institutions (Colleges/Universities) $200
Community Groups/ Public Libraries/ High Schools $100
Rental $80

AWARDS / SCREENINGS


National Educational Film & Video Festival
* Gold Apple

Chicago International Film Festival
* Silver Hugo

International Critic's Jury, Figueira Da Foz Festival
* Best in Category (Medium-length films)

New York Gay & Lesbian Festival
* Best Documentary