Jeffrey Schwarz's documentary Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders premiered at the Tribeca Festival, exploring the 1977 murder of Variety critic Addison Verrill and its connection to William Friedkin's 1980 film Cruising.
The film centers on Verrill's killing by Paul Bateson, a man who had appeared in The Exorcist. It details the pre-AIDS era in New York City's leather scene, including the Mineshaft club in the Meatpacking District. Schwarz includes interviews with figures like Dan Savage and covers protests against Cruising during its production. The documentary notes how the script leak led to demonstrations with chants against the film. Running 85 minutes, the Tribeca Spotlight Documentary entry also touches on Bateson's later release from prison. It features a score by Makeup and Vanity Set.
