Pioneering Indie Filmmaker Passes Away

New York filmmaker Amos Poe has passed away at the age of 76. The director, who helmed films such as “The Blank Generation” and “Alphabet City,” had previously been diagnosed with cancer. 

Amos Poe Passes Away on Christmas Day

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News of Poe’s passing came on his official Instagram account, with his wife posting a message to confirm that he had died on December 25. Alongside a black and white photograph of Poe from his younger days, she wrote, “Amos took his last breath today at 3:33 pm, surrounded by loved ones. ‘Adios’ — AP.’”

Born on September 30, 1949, Poe was highly involved in the music industry during the 1970s and was among the earliest punk filmmakers. He directed “The Blank Generation” with Ivan Král in 1976 and then subsequently worked on the likes of “The Foreigner,” “Subway Riders,” and “Alphabet City.” 

However, a disagreement with Král led to several of his earlier films being re-edited and re-released without Poe being credited. He was also influential in both the start of No Wave Cinema and the Remodernist film movement.

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Famous Faces Pay Tribute to Amos Poe

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Kim Gordon, the guitarist and vocalist of alternative rock group Sonic Youth, replied to the Instagram post to pay tribute to the late filmmaker. She simply wrote, “Some people die magnificently.”

Fellow director Ian Kessner commented a lengthy message in honor of his friend. He said, “I knew his journey was coming to an end, and he faced it with such grace and good humor- but it’s still crushing to learn of his passing. I worked for him when I first arrived in NYC from Montreal. He was an incredible teacher and storyteller. Amos showed me the ropes, and produced and even acted in my first short film.”

Visual artist Fab 5 Freddy wrote, “Claudia, you and Amos were among my first friends on the scene. Just perfect how you guys connected as a power couple not long ago. One of my most memorable days this year was that Sunday in July hanging out. And that amazing James Baldwin story Amos shared.A highlight I will treasure from a life well lived.”

Meanwhile, filmmaker and musician Jim Jarmusch paid tribute in a short but moving post, saying, “Love to you Claudia. You are a gift to us all. R.I.P. Amos. love you so very much.”

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