How to Survive a Plague

Plot

A story of two coalitions – ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group) – whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition. Despite having no scientific training, these self-made activists infiltrated the pharmaceutical industry and helped identify promising new drugs, moving them from experimental trials to patients in record time.

Why watch

"How to Survive a Plague" is a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of activism, chronicling how grassroots movements transformed the AIDS crisis from a death sentence into a manageable condition. Through visceral archival footage and personal narratives, it inspires viewers to reflect on the power of community and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Talking points

• the role of activism in healthcare
• the impact of community on personal loss
• ethical implications of drug development
• the evolution of LGBTQ+ rights

Cultural context

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