Then and Now: 1981-2004

About This Movie

Then and Now: 1981-2004 is really something special. It combines archival research footage with a personal interview, which gives it this raw, almost haunting quality. You get to see how the HIV epidemic was perceived in the late '80s through the eyes of medical professionals, then shift to Cleve Jones in 2003 reflecting on everything. The pacing feels almost meditative, allowing you to sit with the heavy themes of activism and loss. The contrast between the past and the early 2000s really highlights how far we’ve come, or not, in some ways. It’s a sobering reminder, and the way it handles such sensitive material is quite respectful. Definitely a piece that resonates on multiple levels.

Archival footage provides a stark contrast to the interview.Candid insights from Cleve Jones bring a personal touch.Themes of activism and societal change are deeply woven throughout.