Cable's Cinemax honored World AIDS Day last week with an airing of a short, sweet, but thought-provoking new documentary. Positively Naked is the latest installment in the channel's long-running Reel Life series. It next airs on Cinemax's sister channel More Max on December 17.
Filmmakers Arlene Donnelly and David Nelson focused their cameras on noted photographer Spencer Tunick, who was commissioned by POZ magazine to do a special photo shoot for their 10th anniversary. Tunick donated his services for the event. A few days after putting out the call, Tunick and POZ's Sean Strub and Jonathan Porcelli had a diverse group of HIV-positive people who were willing to disrobe simultaneously for Tunick's camera and POZ 's cover.
For participant Ron, this was an important stepping-stone. "It's the first time I've made a public statement about being HIV-positive after 17 years of living with the virus," he said.
The project is a reminder of a forgotten HIV risk group. Shawn has been positive for 20 years. He's a hemophiliac who contracted the virus in the 6th grade during a blood transfusion. He recalls being thrown out of school. His parents had to file a lawsuit to get him re-admitted.
Mark and Vinny are a gay couple, both of whom are sick. They are a great source of comfort and strength to each other, and live each day like it's their last. But they soldier on, and are still together. Mark cries a little during their interview, saddened at the thought that their time may be short.
Elizabeth, who contracted the virus from a bisexual boyfriend, speaks of sitting down with her 12-year-old son to tell him what has happened to her. These and other interviews are deeply moving. These are strong, courageous people, determined to live.
There is much laughter when it comes time to bare all. All 85 souls are in a large room, kibitzing with each other, as Tunick poses them. Total strangers find themselves embracing for the camera as new friendships are formed.
Some who used to be buffed and beautiful speak of how the virus has affected their looks. Mark, once an underwear model, is showing his "new belly" for the first time.
The photos are taken, and POZ has its 10th anniversary photo spread, one that celebrates the inner and outer beauty of those living with AIDS.
Positively Naked clocks in at just 38 minutes. In its short running time, it covers more ground than other films that run on for hours. Some of us may recall a battle cry of ACT-Up's early days, "We're living with AIDS!" No film that I've seen makes this point better than Positively Naked. Check listings for future airings.