San Antonio AIDS Foundation Presents First Texas Screening of “Desert Migration”
Internationally acclaimed documentary profiles 13 gay men living
long-term with HIV
SAN ANTONIO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#AIDS–The Alamo City’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization
recently partnered with the director of the first major documentary
about long-term survivors of HIV to create a successful fundraiser tied
to the 35th anniversary of the first AIDS cases diagnosed in
the United States.
On June 23 the San
Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF) presented the first Texas community
screening of “Desert
Migration” to a large and diverse audience at Santikos Bijou Cinema
and Bistro. The poignant documentary – acclaimed by the world’s most
important LGBTQ film festivals – was followed by an often emotional
discussion with the audience, which included many long-term survivors,
their friends and families. The seven-person panel, moderated by SAAF
CEO Cynthia Nelson, featured the film’s director, Daniel F. Cardone,
five San Antonians living with HIV and HIV researcher and physician Dr.
Barbara S. Taylor of the University
of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
“Desert Migration” explores the physical and emotional side effects of
living long-term with the disease – as well as the continuing stigma.
“We are proud to contribute to the emerging national conversation about
aging with HIV,” Nelson said, adding that the screening was timed to
coincide with the 35th anniversary of the first official AIDS
diagnoses in the United States.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially recognized
the first U.S. cases in June 1981,” Nelson said. “And while science has
made incredible strides in treating the disease, there is still no cure.
We strive to remind the public that HIV/AIDS remains a serious health
issue in our country and around the world.”
SAAF has been serving San Antonio since 1986, providing compassionate
medical care and social services to people living with HIV/AIDS and
helping prevent the spread of HIV through education, counseling and
testing. A 30th anniversary luncheon and auction is slated
for Sunday, August 7.
“Desert Migration” focuses on a group of gay men, all long-term HIV
survivors, who sought refuge in Southern California’s Palm Springs.
Cardone believes HIV carries a stigma unlike other major diseases. With
this documentary, he hopes to shed light on the topic and encourage open
discussion.
The film’s next screening will be July 9 at qFlix
Philadelphia 2016.
Contacts
San Antonio AIDS Foundation
Ken Slavin, 210-225-4715, ext. 141
Vice
President of Communications
Cell: 210-313-0597
