HIV Positive Voices: An Inside Look at the AIDS Epidemic in Baltimore, Maryland, was produced by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Center for Communication Programs and Stuart Productions. It was awarded Best Documentary Under 30 Minutes at the Second Annual New York AIDS Film Festival.
This film is the story of four people who each represent a different form of HIV transmission. Their stories are gripping. Their lives difficult. But their outlook is positive.
HIV Positive Voices shows the devastating effect of what it is like to live with HIV and cope with the social stigma, rigorous treatment regimen and related health problems. It also shows that it is possible to live a productive and positive life even if you are HIV positive. The film is accompanied by a discussion guide that helps viewers understand and process the various aspects of the film. Each of the four people profiled in this Emmy Award winning documentary represents a different mode of HIV transmission. They have courageously chosen to speak out about their HIV status, and become positive voices for awareness, compassion and prevention.
Rickeena Free is a 15-year-old girl who contracted HIV perinatally from her mother. Rickeena maintains a positive, yet pragmatic, attitude about her infection as she and her mother educate others about HIV prevention and living with HIV.
David Waller contracted HIV/AIDS through injection drug use. This mode of transmission accounts for the majority of new HIV/AIDS cases in Baltimore. David served 20 years in prison for crimes related to his drug use. Now drug free, he has started a new life with a supportive family.
Kimberly Smolen learned she was HIV-positive when she donated blood following a successful run in the New York City marathon. She traces her infection back to a college boyfriend. Kimberly turned her life around after a self-destructive period that included drug addiction and homelessness.
Keith Barmer struggled to accept his HIV-positive status after his uncle raped him as a teenager. His life spiraled downward with drug Addiction and other risky behaviors. Now openly gay, Keith views his HIV status as an opportunity to help others either prevent HIV or live with HIV in a positive manner.
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