Reel Affirmations: The Nation's LGBT Film Festival 2008

The first film to be restored through the UCLA Film and Television Archive and Outfest Legacy Project, Parting Glances is the frank portrait of a Greenwich Village gay man dealing with both his partner's imminent departure and his friend's struggle with AIDS.

You rarely hear the words AIDS themed romantic comedy paired together, for good reason we might add, but this film - with its realistic and sympathetic treatment of AIDS and gay relationships in general, was truly groundbreaking at the time for its touchingly honest blend of both drama and comedy.

Michael and Robert, a gay couple in New York, prepare for Robert's departure for a two-year work assignment in Africa, Michael must face Robert's true motives for leaving while dealing with their circle of eccentric friends, including Robert's former lover Nick, the newly diagnosed musician whose cynicism takes a whole new turn. Featuring Steve Buscemi in his first starring role, Parting Glances was also the only film directed by Bill Sherwood, who died at the age of 38.