A Human Question
2005 | 53 minutes | German, English, Kannada & Hindi with English subtitles | Thailand, Germany, Switzerland & India
Tracing the story of the global struggle to make HIV/AIDS drugs more affordable and available, A Human Question raises key questions of whether private ownership of knowledge can be at the costs of human life? The film explores the complex world of Patents and HIV/AIDS medicines by connecting and contrasting personal narratives with those of international lobbyists and activists.
A Human Question makes the case that although AIDS cannot be cured, people can live longer and with a better quality of life given adequate health care and access to drugs, both of which are cause and consequence of social change. This film has been screened at numerous international film festivals including HIMAL South Asian festival (2007), and Globale (2006).
The screening of this film was followed by a discussion between filmmaker T. Jayashree, and journalist Vikram Doctor.
About the Director
T. Jayashree has written, produced and directed for International Television, Radio, Feature films and Independent Documentaries for over 2 decades. Her award winning work focuses on the intersection between Gender, Sexuality, Law and Public health. Her films are widely screened around the globe and can be viewed at her Vimeo Account. Queer Archive for Memory, Reflection and Activism (QAMRA) is an initiative grown out of her vast collection of raw footage on queer life and movement in India.
About the Journalist
Vikram Doctor is a Goa based journalist who has worked with publications like the Times of India and Economic Times for over 20 years. He was also involved with the GayBombay community support group and also with helping and documenting the 18 year campaign to decriminalise homosexuality in India. He has written on issues relating to material culture and social change in India, including the effects of epidemics like HIV and Covid.
