How to Survive a Plague

This documentary chronicles the efforts of ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group), two grassroots activist organizations, that battled the AIDS epidemic in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It highlights their fight against pharmaceutical companies and government inaction, ultimately leading to life-saving treatments. The film showcases the courage, resilience, and strategic brilliance of ordinary people who challenged the status quo. It's a powerful testament to the impact of citizen activism in the face of a devastating disease.

How to Survive a Plague received widespread critical acclaim, being lauded for its powerful storytelling, compelling archival footage, and the emotional impact of its narrative. Critics praised its ability to humanize the AIDS crisis through the stories of the activists, highlighting their bravery and strategic genius. It was recognized as a significant historical document and an inspiring story of activism.

• A deeply moving and essential documentary that powerfully depicts the fight against the AIDS epidemic.
• Praised for its historical significance and the raw, personal stories of the activists.
• Celebrated for its portrayal of effective grassroots activism and its impact on public health.

Google audience: Audiences largely lauded the film for its emotional resonance and the inspiring story of activism. Many viewers found it to be a crucial historical account that shed light on the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis and the bravery of those who fought against it.

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize: U.S. Documentary.

Director David France initially intended to make a film about the history of ACT UP, but shifted his focus to the specific story of how activists influenced the development of life-saving treatments after realizing the profound impact of their work on drug approval processes.