What to watch on World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year. It raises awareness across the world and in the community about the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. It is a day for people to show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

We’ve put together five films, series and documentaries that have screened at past Festivals. Watch and learn more about the history of HIV and AIDS and the queer community.

Plus, come join us in person for our screening of The First Fallen, a beautifully crafted celebration of the resilience of the 1980s Brazilian queer community in the face of a looming epidemic.

We are also excited to showcase Australian filmmaker Stephen Cummins (1960-1994) in the lineup for our 30th Mardi Gras Film Festival 2023. Stephen left an indelible mark on queer cinema, and this retrospective gala presentation of his complete works includes award-winners Resonance, Elevation and Le Corps Image.

1985

Having been gone for three years, closeted advertising executive Adrian returns to his Texas hometown for the holidays during the first wave of the AIDS crisis. Burdened with an unspeakable tragedy in New York City, Adrian looks to reconnect with his family. Watch it now on Apple TV.

Pose

The iconic series revolving around the underground ball culture, the gay and trans community and the raging AIDS crisis and capitalism in New York City in the 80s and 90s. Watch the series now on Binge.

Holding The Man

Based on the memoir and stage play of the same name, this is the warm, funny and extraordinarily moving story of the 15 year long love affair between Timothy Conigrave and the boy he fell in love with at high school, John Caleo. Watch it now on Stan.

Zero Patience

A Canadian musical featuring an immortal, bigoted, unethical taxidermist doing research on “Patient Zero”, the gay flight attendant who allegedly was the first to bring AIDS to North America, for a museum show about contagious diseases, helped by the man’s ghost. Stream it on YouTube now.

We Were Here

A deep and reflective look at the arrival and impact of AIDS in San Francisco and how individuals rose to the occasion during the first years of this unimaginable crisis. Watch the documentary on Docplay.

Parting Glances

A gay couple faces the challenge of a long distance relationship while dealing with the harsh realities of New York City in the mid-1980s. Watch it now on Tubi.