For the past five years, the program has attracted the participation of local, national, and international filmmakers whose work in fiction and documentary best reflect stories about the AIDS Pandemic. This year, the selection includes short films dealing with communities affected by the HIV/AIDS in India, Cuba, and the USA.
Migration
Dir. Mira Nair, India, 2007, 18 min.
From the director of acclaimed feature film, Amelia Earthard, this short film examines classes by following its transmission through interweaving stories linking urban and rural India. This is the short film featuring Shiny Ahuja, Irrfan Khan, Sameera Reddy and Raima Sen in heart wrenching roles - all for one cause - AIDS Awareness.
Positive
Dir. Farhan Akhtar, India, 2007, 18 min.
An emotional and morally controversial short that follows the story of a young boy and his parents and how they cope with the devastation that AIDS can visit on a family.
The above films are from the AIDS Jaago Project under the auspices of Mirabai Films and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, two stories that aim to dismantle myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS in India.
Photo by Toto.
Reporter Zero
Dir. Carrie Lozano
USA, 2006, 24 min.
The first documentary film about journalist Randy Shilts’ groundbreaking AIDS reporting and the struggles he faced trying to get the nation and his community to reckon with the devastating truth about the disease. Shilt’s story exemplifies the power of journalism, represents a critical moment in the history of gay rights, documents massive institutional failure, and reminds us that in spite of flaws and psychic struggles, one person can make a difference.
Walking on Sunshine
Dir. Tracy Taylor
USA, 2005, 20 min.
Award winning short film about the story of two sisters at the center of this crisis. Told through the eyes of Jenna Wheeler, it takes us from the early years of the AIDS epidemic through present day showing how fear, lack of media exposure and miseducation about the disease has led African Americans to be the fastest growing number of new AIDS cases.
Beyond Outcasts
Dir. Ivan Arocha
Cuba, 1992, 35 min.
Award winning documentary exposes the state-enforced system quarantining of individuals living in Cuba who are HIV positive. Deemed “counterrevolutionary,” the film was banned by the state as soon as it was released for the 1992 Havana Film Festival. The film was intended for Cuban audiences, to educate them and to challenge official state disinformation about people living with HIV. Other issues include the treatment of patients at the sanatorium Los Cocos, and a discussion of their lives there.
Directions to Jackson Heights Branch of Queens Library (35-51 81 Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372)
Take the #7 train to 82 Street or E, G, V, R to 74 Street and Roosevelt Avenue. 5 minutes from either station.
QMAD, Queens Media Arts Development, is a non-for profit cultural organization co-founded and presently under the direction of New Media Artist, Hector Canonge. QMAD produces and implements programs in the arts communications media to encourage Queen’s multicultural communities to actively participate in the forging of an artistic identity for the borough. Based on one of the city’s most diverse areas, QMAD acknowledges the artistic potential of residents in Queens, and facilitates access to educational activities, cultural events and resources so people participating in the various programs can gain agency in their creative and artistic goals.
All QMAD’s programs are FREE OF CHARGE and of benefit to underserved populations of the borough.
As part of World AIDS Awareness, QMAD created and produces FRAMING AIDS since 2005. The program is intended to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS affecting the communities of Queens, and NYC at large. Hosted by institutions like Queens Library, Elmhurst Hospital Center, La Guardia Performing Arts Center at La Guardia Community College, The Queens Museum, and in partnership with local organizations like AIDS Center of Queens County, ACQC, MetroPlus, APICHA and other non for profits like Scenarios USA, and VISUAL AIDS, FRAMING AIDS has become Queen’s Annual Observance of World AIDS Day Through the Arts.