Living Positive 1999
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th St., New York, NY 10016; 212-808-4980
Produced by Karen Robinson Hunte and Harold E. Houze Jr.
Directed by Karen Robinson Hunte
VHS, color, 50 min.
Adult
Health Sciences
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Lori Widzinski, Health Sciences Library, University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkLiving Positive gives a snapshot of what life holds for women diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. Through the personal stories of five women from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, the physical and psychological dimensions of day to day life with this dreaded disease takes shape.
The film is divided into sections, each aptly labeled as an issue that HIV/AIDS patients must confront, i.e. "the day I found out," "how did this happen," "will anyone love me" to name a few. As each woman relates her story, it becomes clear that the emotional and psychological aspects of living with a chronic illness often overshadow the physical ailments.
Despite their diagnoses, all the women in this film maintain a strong, positive spirit. Some sobering statistics are presented: that between the ages of 25 and 44, AIDS is the number one killer of African-American women, the #2 killer of Hispanic women and the #3 killer of U.S. women over all. The messages this program sends come through loud and clear - it can happen to anyone and more needs to be done to find a cure.
Technically, the video is well done. Videography, sound and editing are all top-notch. Living Positive would be most effective in library collections that serve a high school through adult community. It is recommended for lower division health sciences courses and social work courses at the college level.