Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the extraordinary film centering on HIV/AIDS, homosexuality and prevailing attitudes concerning gay people and homophobia.  It was inspired by the story of Geoffrey Bowers, an attorney who in 1987 sued the law firm Baker & McKenzie for unfair dismissal in one of the first AIDS discrimination cases. The film stars Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Joanne Woodward, Jason Robards and Antonio Banderas - just to name a few. Tom Hanks won the Oscar® that year for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Bruce Springsteen took home an Academy Award® for his song, “The Street of Philadelphia.”

I remember the day I saw Philadelphia so clearly- who i was with, the theater in Montreal where I saw it.  I was devastated by the tragic story and homophobia of the time. It had such a profound effect on me that I continue to attribute Philadelphia as the movie that motivated me to pursue a career in film, specifically in film and media that inspires social change.

takepart with the National Association of People with AIDS

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