How to Survive a Plague

"How to Survive a Plague" (2012) is a documentary that tells the story of two coalitions – ACT UP and TAG – whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition. Through over 700 hours of archived footage, including news coverage, interviews, and demonstrations, the film follows the struggles of activists like Peter Staley, Larry Kramer, Mark Harrington, and others as they pushed for action against the US government and medical establishment to develop effective HIV/AIDS medications. The documentary also explores the underground market for HIV drugs and the activists' fight for research into the HIV virus, ultimately leading to breakthroughs in treatment.