Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine

Filmmaker Michele Josue grew up knowing slain college student Matthew Shepard, who was fatally beaten at the age of 21 in Laramie, WY, in October 1998 in what was judged to be a homophobic hate crime. Here, Josue interviews other friends and the victim's supportive family, while also interweaving vintage home movies and photos. The words/images build a composite portrait of the low-key kid whose name became a touchstone for gay activists. Josue does not address the defense's then allegation that Shepard's murder was a drug deal gone bad, and she doesn't talk about the acclaimed stage-and-film production The Laramie Project that was inspired by the crime. Instead, she presents a stirring personal portrait so persuasive that by the end we are all Matthew Shepard's friends, whether we could have known him or not. Recommended. (C. Cassady)