Kaly Flood
University of South Florida
“We Were Here”: We Will Remember
David Weissman and Bill Weber recounted gripping testimonies of those who experienced the 1980’s AIDS/ HIV epidemic in the documentary “We Were Here” (Weissman & Weber, 2011). During this documentary several people told of experiences prior, during, and post the AIDs/HIV crisis. This review will illustrate how Weissman and Weber portrayed the AIDs crisis using the documentary title “ We Were Here” and relevance of the documentary to medical professionals.
Title
Even without viewing the documentary the title “We Were Here” provides a powerful message allowing those in the grave a voice and a place for life stories to be remembered. The title reflects those whom fallen victim to AIDs/ HIV by conveying we were here and here is our story, making the title interesting. This title appropriately reflects the documentary, allowing …show more content…
Topics included how the gay community could “rally” and “support” one another. One interviewee that still participates within gay organizations stated that AIDS/ HIV is no longer a topic of discussion within the gay community (Weissman & Weber, 2011). Those whom once supported those dying during the epidemic will not have the same support that was once offered. Nurses’ need to be aware of this loss and the emotions that these individuals may experience in the last days of life.
Summary
Weissman and Weber’s documentary “ We Were Here” was moving. The title of the documentary sets the tone for the entire film; making a stand and providing a voice to those who were AIDs/HIV victims during the epidemic. Knowing what those who survived the 1980’s AIDs/ HIV epidemic witnessed will help medical professionals understand the motivations of these individuals. This documentary can be viewed via Netflix, YouTube, and