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Thursday, January 30, 2014

The Gracie to Air Documentary Film About Young Activists Changing the Outcome of AIDS in America

Bangor, Maine - The Gracie Theatre at Husson University will screen the documentary film “How to Survive a Plague” on February 12 at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

“How to Survive a Plague”, (nominated for a 2012 Academy Award® and featured on over twenty “Top Ten” lists), addresses AIDS in America through the eyes of young activists; many of whom were HIV-positive young men. The film documents how these dedicated advocates took on both Washington and medical establishments to change the public perception of this dreaded disease. As a result of their efforts, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) went from being an automatic death sentence to becoming a manageable condition.

“Even though AIDS affects everyday Americans, many people find it difficult to talk about this subject and would prefer to “sweep it under the rug.” Those who see “How to Survive a Plague” will come away with an increased understanding of this terrible disease and the struggle associated with finding a cure. The individuals profiled in this exceptional movie also serve as inspirational role models. They are living examples of how it is possible to make positive change in American society,” said Nico Jenkins, lecturer in the Ethics and Philosophy program at Husson University.

More than simply a historical documentary, “How To Survive a Plague” is, according to Frank Bruni of The New York Times, “a model for the here and now of social change.” Mary Pols of TIME magazine said that the film, beyond being a graphic and heart wrenching portrayal of a time of terror in our nation’s history, will also “teach you something about courage, dedication and the power of well-directed anger.”

“How To Survive a Plague” is part of a documentary film series presented at the Gracie Theatre at Husson University and hosted by Jenkins as part of an effort to help stimulate awareness and discussion of critical moral and ethical issues. The next movie in the series, “The Central Park Five,” will be shown on March 27.

Introductory remarks, prior to the screening of the film, will be made by Beth Allen, Program Director of EqualityMaine. This public advocacy organization works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Maine through political action, community organizing, education, and collaboration. For more information about the screening, contact the box office at The Gracie at 941-7888 or visit GracieTheatre.com.

Completed in October of 2009, The Gracie is Husson University's center for the fine and performing arts. This beautiful new 500-seat theatre is quickly earning a reputation as one of Maine’s premier performance venues. In addition, The Gracie also serves as a learning platform for students from the New England School of Communications in digital audio, sound mixing, set design and construction, lighting, acting and electronics. For more information, visit GracieTheatre.com

For more than 100 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through high quality undergraduate and graduate degrees.  With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education.  Our Bangor campus and off-campus satellite education centers in Southern Maine, Wells and Northern Maine provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication.  In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program.  For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu

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