Arthur J. Bressan Jr.’s Buddies is a groundbreaking independent film and the first American feature to directly address the AIDS crisis. Released in 1985, it tells the intimate story of David Bennett, a young gay man in New York who volunteers as a “buddy” to Robert Willow, another gay man dying of AIDS. What begins as a nervous encounter evolves into a powerful friendship that explores themes of love, activism, and dignity in the face of stigma.
With its raw, two‑character focus and low‑budget production, Buddies captures the human impact of HIV/AIDS at a time when misinformation and fear dominated public discourse. The film highlights the importance of compassion, community, and visibility for LGBTQ+ lives during one of the most challenging eras in queer history.
Restored in 2020, Buddies remains a vital piece of queer cinema history, resonating with audiences today as both a time capsule and a reminder of the resilience of LGBTQ+ communities.
