We Were Here

Is a simple, yet deeply moving documentary about the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco.  There is no voiceover throughout and there are only around ten or so witnesses that speak to what it was like living through the 80s as panic took hold in the City.

What is remarkable is the strength these folks had to keep on going, watching their friends and lovers die day by day.  One of the witnesses saw his partner die first, his best friend die two days later, and then another friend pass away the next day.

The most affecting moment for me was the part when they show the Bay Area Reporter's obituary section for one year in the 80s.  Instead of reprinting the text from each person who died from AIDS that year for their year-end issue they simply reprinted every photograph of those who had passed.  It goes on for pages and pages.

The miraculous way this community responded and came back to life and to help all those in the City and around the world is a true marvel.  I would like to think if something that tragic happened in my community that I would have the guts and fortitude to act the way those folks did (and still do.)

An absolute must-see, but it is a toughy.  Be prepared to shed tears.

All my love,
Ardent