Page 28 - BN1 July-Aug 2019 web

AFTER 82

THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE AIDS PANDEMIC BY HARRIET TRICKETT

A feature documentary about the AIDS crisis in the UK The film was initially envisioned as a short documentary, but
was released last month after previewing at cinemas Steve said so many people came forward to be interviewed
across the country. Dukes @ Komedia hosted a special that in the end a decision was made to focus on the earliest
screening of After 82 followed by a Q&A with directors and interviews. When talking about the making of the film and
long-term partners Ben Lord and Steve Keeble prior to the challenges he said: “It was made on about £23,000 and
release. After 82 The Untold Story of the AIDS Pandemic most of that was spent on archives, with it costing about
features the story of Terry Higgins, who died from AIDS £100 per second. But, the most difficult thing was: where
in July 1982 and shares what his friends did afterwards. do you start? Everyone had said such poignant words and
Co-director Steve explains: “It’s not the medical, it’s the what do you take out? That was the most difficult part of
personal stories and as far as we know that’s never been making the film.”
done before, certainly not in the UK and so it stands as a
testament to the people that we lost.” Some of the stories The film shows how there was a lot of information about
had never been told before and are extremely moving. the problem (AIDS) but very little knowledge of the causes.
The social stigma was rife, alongside ignorance and
The film begins by grabbing your attention with the prejudices. But the film tells truthfully ways in which the
question, ‘What would you do if a deadly virus wiped out LGBT community came together with hope. What was
your circle of friends and lovers?’ Narrated by Dominic shared during the Q&A was really moving, Ben and Steve
West (who played Jonathon Blake in the film Pride), After explained they had received hostility and abuse which
82 commemorates and celebrates those who were lost to they believe is due to them having made the film. Steve
AIDS and gives an insight into the lives of those living with said: “We had someone outside our house saying: ‘So how
the virus. Co-director Ben said about the making of the film: long have you been spreading AIDS for, and do you think
“People shared such personal stories and that was a lot this film is really going to make a difference?’” After having
of responsibility and also a privilege.” The film also shows taken approximately seven years to complete and to have
how these personal connections led to the establishment shared people's stories so honestly, this was hard to hear.
of the Terrence Higgins Trust. Ben added: “But we thought: no, you’re not going to stop
us from allowing these people to have their stories heard.”
However, it is the private moments which hit the hardest. With that, has come one of the most important documents
Actor and activist Johnathan Blake, one of the first of the AIDS pandemic. Ben said: “We interviewed some
people diagnosed with HIV in the UK, talks about suicide. young people living with HIV and it is interesting to hear
Emotional stories from during the AIDS crisis and the use of their experiences of living with HIV in the 21st century
AZT (zidovudine drug) show how people with the disease compared to those diagnosed in the 80s. I think that would
were treated like test subjects in drug trials. The heartbreak be a really interesting contrast.”
and the fight against discrimination make for hard-hitting
viewing. The effect of HIV and AIDS on mental health is Steve said he felt especially honoured to preview the film
also highlighted; an additional silent killer of isolation with for Brighton’s strong LGBT community during Pride month.
many men feeling prohibited from speaking emotionally. “It was a real struggle to make the film,” he said. “But we
are never going to give up. A film had to be made and we
are proud of the people coming to see it.”
28 bn1magazine.co.uk