Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of “Midnight Cowboy”

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

NYC Premiere! Filmmaker Nancy Buirski’s newest film examines the gifted, fascinating people behind the dark and difficult masterpiece that is 1969’s enduring classic Midnight Cowboy. Buriski delves deep into New York City in a troubled time of cultural ferment; and the era that made a movie and the movie that made an era. Featuring extensive archival material and compelling new interviews, this extraordinary documentary illuminates how one film captured the essence of a time and a place, reflecting a rapidly changing society with striking clarity.

The screening will be followed by an on-stage conversation with filmmaker Nancy Buirski, producer Susan Margolin, and Ian Buruma and Michael Childers. After the conversation, join us at the nearby 9 Jones lounge, with DOC NYC-themed drink specials.

A Zeitgeist Films Release in association with Kino Lorber, Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy will open June 23 at Film Forum.

Playing as part of DOC NYC Selects: Spring 2023! Save big and get a season pass for all six screenings for $80 ($55 for members)!

  • Running Time 101 minutes
  • Distributor DOC NYC Selects
  • Director Nancy Buirski
  • Producer Nancy Buirski, Simon Kilmurry, Susan Margolin

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.