.gay Movies - The FATHERS Project, Imagining a World without AIDS.
In honor of World AIDS Day, this week’s Film Friday is The FATHERS Project.
In this sci-fi film, Mexican activist and filmmaker Leo Herrera reimagine what the world in the 21st century would be like if LGBTQ+ communities hadn't spent the '80s and '90s fighting the HIV epidemic.
We had the opportunity to chat with him about the inspiration behind the film.
1. What inspired you to create the film?
Fathers was inspired by my own personal need to reconnect with heroes who died at the age I am now and to imagine how different my world would have been had AIDS never existed.
2. Why do you think sharing a storyline like the one in the film is important?
AIDS continues to shape our world in good and terrible ways, and it’s important to be aware of the lessons and losses from that epidemic. There are also many unsung heroes and unfinished projects from the AIDS crisis that I wanted to showcase.
3. What has been the reaction from people who've seen the film?
Most people who watch Fathers are deeply impacted by the question of “What if?” and also feel a sense of unexpected, bittersweet joy. So much of our AIDS media comes from a place of loss and tragedy. I wanted to film in real-life, contemporary moments of utopia and create a piece that would educate but also spark a sense of pride!
