1990s
Epstein and Friedman's next film was a road-documentary set in the aftermath of the first Persian Gulf War, entitled Where Are We?, part of the documentary competition line-up at the Sundance Film Festival (1991).
In 1995, Epstein and Friedman wrote and directed The Celluloid Closet, based on Vito Russo's landmark book of the same title. Released by Sony Pictures Classics, narrated by Lily Tomlin, the film depicts 100 years of gay and lesbian characters in Hollywood movies. The Celluloid Closet premiered at the Venice Film Festival and then went on to the Toronto International Film Festival, the Sundance Film Festival (Grand Jury Freedom of Expression Award), and the Berlin Film Festival (Teddy Award, Best Documentary). For its HBO television presentation Epstein and Friedman won Emmys for directing, as well as a Peabody.
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