Phil Zwickler

This film powerfully documents New York City's gay community's response to the AIDS crisis as they are forced to organize themselves after the government's failure to stem the epidemic. Activists who are interviewed include playwrite Larry Kramer, People With AIDS Coalition co-founder Michael Callen (who died of AIDS in 1994), New York filmmaker and journalist Phil Zwickler, as well as representatives from ACT-UP, Queer Nation and the Gay Men's Health Crisis.

Phil Zwickler interviews David Wojnarowicz about a NEA project grant for a gallery show.

In this 1987 documentary, the issue before the New York City Council is a resolution concerning gay rights. The voices of citizens and witnesses for and against this resolution are heard as they testify, and in interviews in the council chamber and on the sidewalk outside. Advocates on either side of the issue are shown to be earnest and sincere, and despite the fact that emotions are running high during the debate, basic civility somehow prevails.

An exploration concerning the act of revealing to a potential lover that one is seropositive to HIV, the virus believed to cause AIDS.

It is a unique view of the pyschological effects of the ravages of AIDS. The direct address and matter of fact tone of the voiceover with an undercurrent of sarcasm and cynicism create a touching, detailed and precise portrait of Phil Zwickler without a single image of him ever appearing.

Depicts three realistic social and sexual scenarios in which safer sex is discussed and practiced by gay men. The film presents a variety of sexual possibilities and preferences, from intimacy between two lovers to group sex, and encourages viewers to identify and practice sexual behavior to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.