James Broughton (1913-1999) was a influential American director and poet. Born in Modesto, California, Broughton studied at Stanford University and later joined the San Francisco Renaissance artistic movement. He gained recognition for his experimental films, which combined surrealism, poetry, and personal expression. Broughton was an openly gay artist whose work often explored themes of love, sexuality, and spirituality. Some of his acclaimed films include “The Potted Psalm” (1946), “The Pleasure Garden” (1953), and “The Bed” (1968). Throughout his career, Broughton also published several collections of poetry and essays. He received numerous awards, including the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. Broughton’s innovative approach to cinema and his contributions to LGBTQ+ art have made him a lasting figure in American film.
