Jeffrey Schwarz

Directing

Jeffrey Schwarz

Born

1969-09-15 (57)

Place of birth

New York City, New York, USA

Known for

Directing

Credits

48 titles

Jeffrey Schwarz is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker based in Los Angeles. His latest documentary is "Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders," which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2026. Other films include "Commitment to Life," "Boulevard! A Hollywood Story," "The Fabulous Allan Carr," "Tab Hunter Confidential," "I Am Divine," "Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon," "Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story," and HBO Documentary Films’ "Vito." He is executive producer of "Hollywood Black" (2024), the Emmy-nominated MGM+ series directed by Justin Simien, which won the 2025 Independent Spirit Award for Best New Non-Scripted or Documentary Series. Schwarz is also the recipient of the 2015 Frameline Award …

Known for

Milk poster
7.2

The true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man ever elected to public office. In San Francisco in the late 1970s, Harvey Milk becomes an activist for gay rights and inspires others to join him in his fight for equal rights that should be available to all Americans.

Milk

2008

Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds poster
6.1

How far would you go to get the person of your dreams? With the help of Gwen and Tiffani, Kyle pretends to be heterosexual in order to land Troy, the new guy (and nude model) who's turning the heads of both men and women. He soon finds himself joining the campus ex-gay support group and nabbing a girlfriend! Kyle's ex-boyfriend Marc is horrified at the plan and decides to pursue the confused Troy with his own tactic -- being his "out" gay self. Who will win Troy first?

Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds

2006

I Am Divine poster
7.3

Harris Glenn Milstead, aka Divine (1945-1988) was the ultimate outsider turned underground hero. Spitting in the face of the status quos of body image, gender identity, sexuality, and preconceived notions of beauty, Divine succeeded in becoming an internationally recognized icon, recording artist, and character actor of stage and screen. Glenn went from the often-mocked, schoolyard fat kid to underdog royalty, standing up for millions of gay men and women, drag queens and punk rockers, and countless other socially ostracized misfits and freaks. With a completely committed in-your-face style, he blurred the line between performer and personality, and revolutionized pop culture.

I Am Divine

2014

Commitment to Life poster
NR

Against a rich Hollywood backdrop, "Commitment to Life" documents the true story of the fight against HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles - and how an intrepid group of people living with HIV/AIDS, doctors, movie stars, studio moguls and activists changed the course of the epidemic.

Commitment to Life

2023

Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders poster
NR

“Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders" peels back the layers of controversy surrounding the making of the 1980 thriller, "Cruising." Directed by William Friedkin, the film triggered fierce protests from the LGBTQ+ community for its portrayal of a serial killer targeting gay men in New York's leather bars. Friedkin drew inspiration from the brutal murder of Variety reporter Addison Verrill, blurring the boundaries between cinematic fiction and real-life tragedy.

Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders

2026

"Jarhead" Diaries poster
NR

An intimate behind-the-scenes look at the making of Sam Mendes’ “Jarhead,” featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Jaime Foxx.

"Jarhead" Diaries

2006

Film credits

2000s · 4 titles

Series credits

Behind the camera

Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds poster
6.1

How far would you go to get the person of your dreams? With the help of Gwen and Tiffani, Kyle pretends to be heterosexual in order to land Troy, the new guy (and nude model) who's turning the heads of both men and women. He soon finds himself joining the campus ex-gay support group and nabbing a girlfriend! Kyle's ex-boyfriend Marc is horrified at the plan and decides to pursue the confused Troy with his own tactic -- being his "out" gay self. Who will win Troy first?

Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds

2006

I Am Divine poster
7.3

Harris Glenn Milstead, aka Divine (1945-1988) was the ultimate outsider turned underground hero. Spitting in the face of the status quos of body image, gender identity, sexuality, and preconceived notions of beauty, Divine succeeded in becoming an internationally recognized icon, recording artist, and character actor of stage and screen. Glenn went from the often-mocked, schoolyard fat kid to underdog royalty, standing up for millions of gay men and women, drag queens and punk rockers, and countless other socially ostracized misfits and freaks. With a completely committed in-your-face style, he blurred the line between performer and personality, and revolutionized pop culture.

I Am Divine

2014

I Am Divine poster
7.3

Harris Glenn Milstead, aka Divine (1945-1988) was the ultimate outsider turned underground hero. Spitting in the face of the status quos of body image, gender identity, sexuality, and preconceived notions of beauty, Divine succeeded in becoming an internationally recognized icon, recording artist, and character actor of stage and screen. Glenn went from the often-mocked, schoolyard fat kid to underdog royalty, standing up for millions of gay men and women, drag queens and punk rockers, and countless other socially ostracized misfits and freaks. With a completely committed in-your-face style, he blurred the line between performer and personality, and revolutionized pop culture.

I Am Divine

2014

Commitment to Life poster
NR

Against a rich Hollywood backdrop, "Commitment to Life" documents the true story of the fight against HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles - and how an intrepid group of people living with HIV/AIDS, doctors, movie stars, studio moguls and activists changed the course of the epidemic.

Commitment to Life

2023

Commitment to Life poster
NR

Against a rich Hollywood backdrop, "Commitment to Life" documents the true story of the fight against HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles - and how an intrepid group of people living with HIV/AIDS, doctors, movie stars, studio moguls and activists changed the course of the epidemic.

Commitment to Life

2023

Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders poster
NR

“Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders" peels back the layers of controversy surrounding the making of the 1980 thriller, "Cruising." Directed by William Friedkin, the film triggered fierce protests from the LGBTQ+ community for its portrayal of a serial killer targeting gay men in New York's leather bars. Friedkin drew inspiration from the brutal murder of Variety reporter Addison Verrill, blurring the boundaries between cinematic fiction and real-life tragedy.

Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders

2026

Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders poster
NR

“Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders" peels back the layers of controversy surrounding the making of the 1980 thriller, "Cruising." Directed by William Friedkin, the film triggered fierce protests from the LGBTQ+ community for its portrayal of a serial killer targeting gay men in New York's leather bars. Friedkin drew inspiration from the brutal murder of Variety reporter Addison Verrill, blurring the boundaries between cinematic fiction and real-life tragedy.

Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders

2026

"Jarhead" Diaries poster
NR

An intimate behind-the-scenes look at the making of Sam Mendes’ “Jarhead,” featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Jaime Foxx.

"Jarhead" Diaries

2006

JoJo: The Pop Princess poster
8.3

A look at JoJo Levesque from the cast and crew of RV (2006)

JoJo: The Pop Princess

2006

JoJo: The Pop Princess poster
8.3

A look at JoJo Levesque from the cast and crew of RV (2006)

JoJo: The Pop Princess

2006

Revisiting 'The Last Waltz' poster
5.0

Documentary about the making of Martin Scorsese's film of the Band's 1976 farewell concert.

Revisiting 'The Last Waltz'

2002

Mr. Woodcock: Phys Ed Trauma Tales poster
NR

The cast and crew of "Mr. Woodcock" share their memories of gym class. Produced for the "Mr. Woodcock" DVD.

Mr. Woodcock: Phys Ed Trauma Tales

2008

Chow Bella: Hollywood’s Pampered Pooches poster
NR

A comedic examination of how far Los Angelenos will go to care for their furry friends. Produced for the “Son of The Mask” DVD.

Chow Bella: Hollywood’s Pampered Pooches

2005

Boulevard! A Hollywood Story poster
6.2

In the mid-1950s, Dickson Hughes and Richard Stapley, young composers and romantic partners, are hired by legendary silent film star Gloria Swanson to write a musical based on her film Sunset Boulevard, directed by Billy Wilder in 1950.

Boulevard! A Hollywood Story

2021

Boulevard! A Hollywood Story poster
6.2

In the mid-1950s, Dickson Hughes and Richard Stapley, young composers and romantic partners, are hired by legendary silent film star Gloria Swanson to write a musical based on her film Sunset Boulevard, directed by Billy Wilder in 1950.

Boulevard! A Hollywood Story

2021

Rescued from the Closet poster
6.5

Rescued from the Closet is a 2001 documentary consisting of interviews originally recorded for the 1995 film The Celluloid Closet. It explores the history and impact of LGBT representation in cinema, providing insights into the portrayal and evolution of LGBT characters and themes within the film industry.

Rescued from the Closet

2001

Rescued from the Closet poster
6.5

Rescued from the Closet is a 2001 documentary consisting of interviews originally recorded for the 1995 film The Celluloid Closet. It explores the history and impact of LGBT representation in cinema, providing insights into the portrayal and evolution of LGBT characters and themes within the film industry.

Rescued from the Closet

2001

Scoring 'Ghosts of Mars' poster
NR

Featurette focusing on scoring the film, featuring John Carpenter and Anthrax. Produced for the “Ghosts of Mars” DVD.

Scoring 'Ghosts of Mars'

2001

Everybody Cut: The Stars of 'Footloose' poster
NR

Featurette produced for the “Footloose” DVD.

Everybody Cut: The Stars of 'Footloose'

2012

Everybody Cut: The Stars of 'Footloose' poster
NR

Featurette produced for the “Footloose” DVD.

Everybody Cut: The Stars of 'Footloose'

2012

Hairspray: Playing Tracy poster
NR

Featuring all three women to play the role of Tracy Turnblad, Ricki Lake, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and Nikki Blonski, this feraturette explores their takes on the character and the bond they formed with one another. Produced for the “Hairspray” DVD.

Hairspray: Playing Tracy

2007

The Workaday Gangster poster
9.0

Deglamorizing the gangster myth with Martin Scorsese, Nicholas Pileggi, and the real Henry Hill. Produced for the “Goodfellas” DVD.

The Workaday Gangster

2004

Tab Hunter Confidential poster
7.2

Throughout the 1950s, Tab Hunter reigned as Hollywood’s ultimate male heartthrob. But throughout his years of stardom, Tab had a secret. Tab Hunter was gay, and spent his Hollywood years in a precarious closet that repeatedly threatened to implode and destroy him. Tab Hunter himself shares first hand, for the first time, what it was like to be a studio manufactured movie star during the Golden Age of Hollywood and the consequences of being someone totally different from his studio manufactured image.

Tab Hunter Confidential

2015

Tab Hunter Confidential poster
7.2

Throughout the 1950s, Tab Hunter reigned as Hollywood’s ultimate male heartthrob. But throughout his years of stardom, Tab had a secret. Tab Hunter was gay, and spent his Hollywood years in a precarious closet that repeatedly threatened to implode and destroy him. Tab Hunter himself shares first hand, for the first time, what it was like to be a studio manufactured movie star during the Golden Age of Hollywood and the consequences of being someone totally different from his studio manufactured image.

Tab Hunter Confidential

2015

Death's Design: Making "Final Destination 3" poster
NR

Take a look behind the making of the film, featuring director James Wong, stars Ryan Merriman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and  more.

Death's Design: Making "Final Destination 3"

2006

For Life: The Journey of Dr. Dennis Slamon poster
NR

Featurette produced for the “Living Proof” DVD.

For Life: The Journey of Dr. Dennis Slamon

2008

RV Nation: The Culture of Road Warriors poster
NR

Thoughts on RV travel from the cast and crew of “RV.” Produced for the “RV” DVD.

RV Nation: The Culture of Road Warriors

2006

RV Nation: The Culture of Road Warriors poster
NR

Thoughts on RV travel from the cast and crew of “RV.” Produced for the “RV” DVD.

RV Nation: The Culture of Road Warriors

2006

Obsession: The Making of "The Roommate" poster
NR

This featurette explores the development, casting and production of this slick thriller, and why a college campus was the perfect setting for this story about friendship and obsession.

Obsession: The Making of "The Roommate"

2011

You Can’t Stop the Beat: The Long Journey of "Hairspray" poster
6.0

Documentary tracing the history of Hairspray from screen to stage and back to the screen again.

You Can’t Stop the Beat: The Long Journey of "Hairspray"

2007

You Can’t Stop the Beat: The Long Journey of "Hairspray" poster
6.0

Documentary tracing the history of Hairspray from screen to stage and back to the screen again.

You Can’t Stop the Beat: The Long Journey of "Hairspray"

2007

Getting Made: The Making of 'GoodFellas' poster
6.0

A documentary that presents a brief yet detailed account on the making of Martin Scorsese's "GoodFellas" (1990), the successful film that redefined the mafia on the big screen. Featuring interviews with cast and crew and clips from the movie, this retrospective documentary reveals the behind-the-scenes experiences of what would turn out to be one of the greatest films ever made.

Getting Made: The Making of 'GoodFellas'

2004

How Harry Met Sally… poster
7.0

Documentary about "When Harry Met Sally" featuring director Rob Reiner, screenwriter Nora Ephron, stars Billy Crystal and Carrie Fisher and composer Marc Shaiman.

How Harry Met Sally…

2001

How Harry Met Sally… poster
7.0

Documentary about "When Harry Met Sally" featuring director Rob Reiner, screenwriter Nora Ephron, stars Billy Crystal and Carrie Fisher and composer Marc Shaiman.

How Harry Met Sally…

2001

The Fabulous Allan Carr poster
5.0

Armed with a limitless Rolodex and a Benedict Canyon enclave with its own disco, Allan Carr threw the Hollywood parties that defined the 1970s. A producer, manager, and marketing genius, Carr built his bombastic reputation amid a series of successes including the mega-hit musical film "Grease," until it all came crashing down after he produced the 1989 Academy Awards, a notorious debacle.

The Fabulous Allan Carr

2017

The Fabulous Allan Carr poster
5.0

Armed with a limitless Rolodex and a Benedict Canyon enclave with its own disco, Allan Carr threw the Hollywood parties that defined the 1970s. A producer, manager, and marketing genius, Carr built his bombastic reputation amid a series of successes including the mega-hit musical film "Grease," until it all came crashing down after he produced the 1989 Academy Awards, a notorious debacle.

The Fabulous Allan Carr

2017

Fellow Travelers poster
NR

Portraits of some of the gay community's most renowned artists and spiritual leaders, with commentary by noted author and photographer Mark Thompson.

Fellow Travelers

2008

Fellow Travelers poster
NR

Portraits of some of the gay community's most renowned artists and spiritual leaders, with commentary by noted author and photographer Mark Thompson.

Fellow Travelers

2008

Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon poster
5.4

The outrageous story of 1970s porn icon Jack Wrangler, and how he rose to the top of the gay, and then straight, adult film industry.

Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon

2008

Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon poster
5.4

The outrageous story of 1970s porn icon Jack Wrangler, and how he rose to the top of the gay, and then straight, adult film industry.

Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon

2008