SEX POSITIVE
Price: $210.00 Code: 2337 |
Directed by Daryl Wein
2008, 76 minutes
Purchase: $210 | Classroom Rental: $125
Sex Positive explores the life of Richard Berkowitz, a revolutionary gay S&M-hustler-turned-AIDS activist in the 1980s, whose incomparable contribution to the invention of safe sex has never been aptly credited.
Berkowitz emerged from the epicenter of the epidemic as a community leader, demanding a solution to the problem before anyone else would pay attention. However, it was not Berkowitz' voice alone that sparked contention.
Dr. Joseph Sonnabend, a controversial virologist and AIDS doctor, postulated that AIDS was more complicated than just a new virus. With Sonnabend's theory in tow, Berkowitz fought, alongside beloved activist and musician Michael Callen, for safer sex practices without giving up on sex altogether.
Sex Positive looks at the explicit bravery of this unrecognized triumvirate, and their dire quest to save lives in the midst of unwavering dissent. Now destitute and alone, Mr. Berkowitz tells his story - the story of the birth of the safe sex movement.
"Important.” - Tony Kushner
"A taut and fascinating look at a true unsung hero.” - John Cameron Mitchell
“A sophisticated work of nonfiction. Intelligent and engaging. Bracing in its honesty. Further proof that the greatly unknown history of safe sex is one that needs excavating.” - Indiewire
2008, 76 minutes
Purchase: $210 | Classroom Rental: $125
Sex Positive explores the life of Richard Berkowitz, a revolutionary gay S&M-hustler-turned-AIDS activist in the 1980s, whose incomparable contribution to the invention of safe sex has never been aptly credited.
Berkowitz emerged from the epicenter of the epidemic as a community leader, demanding a solution to the problem before anyone else would pay attention. However, it was not Berkowitz' voice alone that sparked contention.
Dr. Joseph Sonnabend, a controversial virologist and AIDS doctor, postulated that AIDS was more complicated than just a new virus. With Sonnabend's theory in tow, Berkowitz fought, alongside beloved activist and musician Michael Callen, for safer sex practices without giving up on sex altogether.
Sex Positive looks at the explicit bravery of this unrecognized triumvirate, and their dire quest to save lives in the midst of unwavering dissent. Now destitute and alone, Mr. Berkowitz tells his story - the story of the birth of the safe sex movement.
Subjects & Collections
Festivals & Awards
* Grand Jury Prize, Documentary Feature, Outfest, LA Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, 2008Reviews
“Sex Positive is a well researched, filmed and edited story, which might be an asset to college level classes in gay and lesbian studies and public health, particularly those researching gay health issues form historical and sociological perspectives. The film’s verbal slang and graphic sexual imagery may be disturbing to some, yet is appropriate for the subject matter. Recommended.” - Educational Media Reviews Online"Important.” - Tony Kushner
"A taut and fascinating look at a true unsung hero.” - John Cameron Mitchell
“A sophisticated work of nonfiction. Intelligent and engaging. Bracing in its honesty. Further proof that the greatly unknown history of safe sex is one that needs excavating.” - Indiewire