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How to Survive a Plague 2012

This powerful documentary chronicles the determined fight of young activists against the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s and 1990s. Through direct action and infiltration of government and pharmaceutical institutions, they pressured for faster research and broader access to treatments. Their relentless advocacy significantly accelerated the development and distribution of life-saving medications, ultimately transforming a devastating epidemic into a more manageable condition and drastically reducing the impact on hospitals.

This powerful documentary chronicles the determined fight of young activists against the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s and 1990s. Through direct action and infiltration of government and pharmaceutical institutions, they pressured for faster research and broader access to treatments. Their relentless advocacy significantly accelerated the development and distribution of life-saving medications, ultimately transforming a devastating epidemic into a more manageable condition and drastically reducing the impact on hospitals.

Does How to Survive a Plague have end credit scenes?

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How to Survive a Plague does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of How to Survive a Plague

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Ratings and Reviews for How to Survive a Plague

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Metacritic

86

Metascore

8.3

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

98%

TOMATOMETER

review

83%

User Score

IMDb

7.6 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

69

%

User Score

Letterboxd

4.0

From 21 fan ratings

Movie Insider

4.00/5

From 1 fan rating

Take the Ultimate How to Survive a Plague Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of How to Survive a Plague with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Survival Against the Odds: How to Survive a Plague Quiz: Test your knowledge on the inspiring activism and developments in AIDS treatment highlighted in 'How to Survive a Plague'.

What major health crisis is central to 'How to Survive a Plague'?

Awards & Nominations for How to Survive a Plague

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85th Academy Awards 2013

Nomination

Documentary (Feature)

65th Directors Guild of America Awards 2013

David France
Nomination

Documentaries

David France

28th Film Independent Spirit Awards 2013

Nomination

Best Documentary Feature

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for How to Survive a Plague

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“How To Survive A Plague” unveils the untold saga of individuals whose relentless efforts transformed AIDS into a disease that can be managed effectively. This film chronicles the extraordinary journey of a diverse group of young men and women, who, despite lacking formal scientific training, boldly infiltrated government bureaucracies and the pharmaceutical sector. They played a crucial role in identifying and advancing promising new compounds, rapidly moving these innovations through trials and into drugstores. The result was life-saving medication that dramatically reduced the mortality rates associated with the epidemic, leading to the near-emptying of AIDS wards in American hospitals.

These courageous activists set a new precedent for patient empowerment and healthcare advocacy, a model that has inspired movements against various other diseases, such as breast cancer and heart disease. Their mission did not stop at the borders of the United States; as AIDS spread to regions like Africa, India, and Asia, these advocates actively established local organizations, exporting their knowledge and techniques to demand improved access to treatment.

Their compelling narrative serves as a powerful motivation for future generations, offering a guide and a passionate call to action. With science still struggling to discover a cure, and concerning trends of rising transmission—especially among unaware young gay men—it’s essential to remember the pivotal role that AIDS activists played in combating this plague. Their legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the urgent need for sustained vigilance and advocacy in the face of ongoing challenges.

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for How to Survive a Plague

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Official Trailer

How to Survive a Plague Themes and Keywords

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gay parentgay fatherhomosexualityhomosexual historygayhomophobiagay rightsgay liberationgay historygay men's health crisisgay activismaids documentaryaids activistpress conferencecity hallmontreal quebec canadabethesda marylandco written by directorwriter director producerwhat happened to epilogueaids memorial quiltdeathtreatmentact upaidsst. patrick's cathedral manhattan new york citycenters for disease controlnew yorkspeechfuneralfdaaztmedicationprotestercondomhuman ashesashesprotestcatholic churchchurchbirthday partyhome videohome movielittle girlemaciationhiv aidsinterviewaids quiltsurvivalsit in

How to Survive a Plague Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for How to Survive a Plague across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Como sobrevivir a una epidemia Cómo sobrevivir a una epidemia Aids: Cronaca di una rivoluzione Como Sobrevivir a una Epidemia Jak přežít mor 瘟疫求生指南 하우 투 서바이브 어 플레이그 AIDS – Kampf ums Leben

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