Largest collection of filmed HIV/Aids testimonies opens to public

An exhibition has opened at The London Archives featuring the largest collection of filmed testimony in the UK from people affected by HIV and Aids.

The exhibition is part of HIVstory, a three-year outreach project by the National HIV Story Trust. The trust films, records and preserves the stories of those affected by the Aids pandemic.

The exhibition will be on display at the London Archives in central London until Thursday 10 July. The exhibition is also on public display at Stratford railway station on Tuesday 17 June. 

The trust hopes the 120-plus interviews filmed with survivors and families, partners and medical professionals will act as a “voice for those who didn’t survive, a chance to honour those who did, and an education for those who live so freely today”.

“Based on the interviews that we have undertaken, we are sharing these incredible real stories of love, life and loss – tales full of both the terrible times, and times of hope,” said James King, project manager at the National HIV Story Trust.

“Each person’s story is of course unique to them, but as you will see their experiences often intersect. This first-of its-kind project will also raise further awareness of the Aids pandemic and generate positive social change, particularly with younger generations who may have little or no knowledge of this period of history.”

The trust has also announced Visible HIVstory, a film night taking place at UCL East's Pool Street cinema exploring real stories of the HIV and Aids pandemic in the UK on Thursday 19 June.

Films that will be shown include Sleeping Dragon by Rob Falconer, Leigh Bowery - Tell Them I've Gone To Papua New Guinea by The Fitzrovia Chapel and 30 Years of Living with HIV by Eastside Community Heritage and Positive East. Free tickets for the event are available here.

The HIVstory project was created in association with The London Archives, the Royal College of Nursing, Newcastle University and University College London and supported by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.