“Every family history has its missing. People whose lives diverge from the accepted narrative are often excised, but their presence hovers,” writes filmmaker and Minneapolis native Esther B. Robinson. Her uncle, Danny Williams, had a period of intense brilliance in the mid-1960s, only to be stifled by drugs, anxiety, jealously, and heartbreak. An editor for the documentary team Albert and David Maysles, Williams extended his reach in the film world as part of Andy Warhol’s Factory—he made more than 20 films and designed light shows for the Velvet Underground—and also became Warhol’s live-in lover. In July 1966, while staying with his family in Massachusetts, he took a drive to the beach and was never seen again. In this documentary, Robinson explores Williams’ career, his connection to Warhol, and ways that his life in the ultra-competitive Factory scene might have played in his still-unsolved disappearance. Winner of the Teddy Award, Best Documentary Film at the 2007 Berlin Film Festival, and the New York Loves Film Award at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival. 2007, video, 75 minutes.


Premieres: First Look is made possible by generous support from Elizabeth Redleaf.

“Every family history has its missing. People whose lives diverge from the accepted narrative are often excised, but their presence hovers,” writes filmmaker and Minneapolis native Esther B. Robinson. Her uncle, Danny Williams, had a period of intense brilliance in the mid-1960s, only to be stifled by drugs, anxiety, jealously, and heartbreak. An editor for the documentary team Albert and David Maysles, Williams extended his reach in the film world as part of Andy Warhol’s Factory—he made more than 20 films and designed light shows for the Velvet Underground—and also became Warhol’s live-in lover. In July 1966, while staying with his family in Massachusetts, he took a drive to the beach and was never seen again. In this documentary, Robinson explores Williams’ career, his connection to Warhol, and ways that his life in the ultra-competitive Factory scene might have played in his still-unsolved disappearance. Winner of the Teddy Award, Best Documentary Film at the 2007 Berlin Film Festival, and the New York Loves Film Award at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival. 2007, video, 75 minutes.


Premieres: First Look is made possible by generous support from Elizabeth Redleaf.