10:47, 30 June 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Whether you're devoted to streaming services or still prefer traditional broadcast television, we're fortunate to have access to stories from across the world at the touch of a button. Film and television can do more than entertain; they can help us understand moments in history, challenge our assumptions and introduce us to experiences beyond our own.
The HIV and AIDS epidemic has inspired some of the most powerful and important storytelling of the past four decades. While no film or television series can fully capture the complexity of the crisis, these works offer valuable insight into the people, communities and activists whose lives were shaped by it.
Watch this if you want to understand the AIDS crisis in 1980s London
Created by Russell T Davies, this critically acclaimed British miniseries follows a group of young friends as they navigate life, love and loss during the emergence of HIV/AIDS in 1980s London. Balancing humour with heartbreak, It's A Sin brought the history of the epidemic to a new generation and sparked renewed public conversations about testing, stigma and remembrance. A much watch with a lovable cast.
Watch this if you want to learn about access to healthcare and treatment.
Based on the life of Ron Woodroof, this Academy Award-winning drama explores the barriers faced by people seeking treatment during the early years of the epidemic. The film highlights the desperation many patients experienced as they searched for potentially life-saving medications before effective treatments became widely available.
Watch this if you want to learn about one of the most influential activist movements in modern history
This Oscar-nominated documentary tells the story of ACT UP and other activist groups that fought for faster drug approvals, greater public awareness and better treatment for people living with HIV. Using archival footage, it demonstrates how grassroots activism helped transform both public health policy and the lives of millions of people around the world.
Watch this if you want a global perspective on the crisis
This anthology drama presents interconnected stories from different parts of the world, illustrating how HIV/AIDS affects communities across cultures and continents. By moving beyond a Western-centred narrative, the film demonstrates the global scale of the epidemic and the diverse challenges faced by those living with HIV.
Watch this if you want to understand activism, grief and community resilience
Set in Paris in the early 1990s, this acclaimed French drama follows members of ACT UP Paris as they campaign for greater action against AIDS. Combining political activism with deeply personal stories, 120 BPM captures both the urgency of the movement and the human cost of government and institutional inaction.
Watch this if you want to challenge your assumptions about who HIV affects today
Stories about HIV continue to evolve, reflecting the realities of modern treatment, prevention and stigma. Contemporary series such as Tip Toe encourage audiences to question outdated stereotypes and recognise that HIV can affect people from all backgrounds. As medical advances have transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable long-term condition for many people, tackling prejudice remains as important as ever.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
(RED). This global charity partners with some of the world's biggest brands to raise money for programmes fighting HIV/AIDS in vulnerable communities. By directing funds to healthcare initiatives and prevention services, they help expand access to testing, treatment and life-saving support. Learn more here.
Terrence Higgins Trust. This UK charity works to end new HIV cases and ensure that people living with HIV receive the support they need to thrive. Through testing services, public education campaigns and advocacy, they challenge stigma while improving access to healthcare and information. Learn more here. Discover their work here.
amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research). This international organisation funds cutting-edge HIV research and supports efforts to improve prevention, treatment and care worldwide. By investing in scientific innovation and public policy initiatives, they help drive progress towards ending the global HIV epidemic. Learn more here. Find out more here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing, Reduced Inequalities.
