Curtis A. McDowell: The Surreal Echoes of San Francisco Cinema Curtis A. McDowell (January 9, 1945 – June 3, 1987) remains a singular figure in American underground filmmaking—a testament to artistic passion and tragically curtailed creativity during the AIDS crisis era. Born in Lafayette, Indiana, McDowell’s relocation to San Francisco in the late 1960s marked the genesis of his cinematic explorations, fueled by an encounter with George Kuchar at San Francisco Art Institute ( sfai). This formative relationship blossomed into a collaborative partnership characterized by both artistic fervor…