United in Anger: A History of ACT UP

United in Anger poster

United in Anger: A History of ACT UP is a documentary film that chronicles the history and legacy of the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), a direct action advocacy group founded in 1987 in New York City. The film explores the group's efforts to bring attention to the AIDS crisis and to secure significant medical, political, and social action to combat the epidemic. Directed by Jim Hubbard and produced in collaboration with Sarah Schulman, who also co-founded the ACT UP Oral History Project, United in Anger combines archival footage, interviews with ACT UP members, and analyses of the strategies and protests that marked the group's activism.

Synopsis

United in Anger: A History of ACT UP presents a detailed account of the formation, actions, and impact of ACT UP from its inception in 1987. The documentary highlights key moments in the group's history, including the first demonstration at Wall Street in March 1987, the Silence=Death campaign, and the dramatic protest at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1988. Through a mix of archival footage and contemporary interviews with ACT UP members, the film captures the urgency, creativity, and diversity of the group's activism. It also addresses the challenges and conflicts within ACT UP, including debates over strategy and the struggle to include and represent women and people of color within the movement.

Themes

The film explores several key themes, including the power of grassroots activism, the role of art and media in social movements, and the intersection of health, sexuality, and human rights. It also examines the impact of ACT UP's activism on the broader LGBTQ+ community and on public health policy. By focusing on the personal stories of ACT UP members, United in Anger underscores the human cost of the AIDS epidemic and the transformative power of collective action.

Reception

United in Anger: A History of ACT UP has been praised for its comprehensive and emotionally powerful portrayal of ACT UP's activism. Critics have highlighted the film's ability to capture the urgency of the AIDS crisis and the innovative tactics of ACT UP. The documentary has also been recognized as an important educational resource for understanding the history of the AIDS epidemic, LGBTQ+ activism, and the ongoing struggle for health justice.

Impact and Legacy

The film has contributed to a broader understanding and appreciation of ACT UP's role in addressing the AIDS crisis. It serves as a testament to the effectiveness of direct action in effecting social and political change. Additionally, United in Anger has inspired a new generation of activists to engage in grassroots movements and to fight for health equity and LGBTQ+ rights.

See Also

• AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP)
• AIDS epidemic
• LGBTQ+ activism
• Health justice