OutFest Presents 'The Other City' Screening, 7/10

OutFest presents a Special Screening and Post-Screening Discussion: "THE OTHER CITY" on Saturday, July 10 at 1:30 pm, DGA 2.

After a nearly 30 year battle, the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to be a global catastrophe that shockingly continues to take millions of lives and affect millions more. The U.S. is not immune.

More than one million Americans are living with HIV, more than a half million have died after developing AIDS and rates are actually rising in some major American cities. THE OTHER CITY introduces us to residents of Washington D.C. who are both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and the epic struggles they face confronting social, cultural and political boundaries. In fact, the very city that is home to our federal government not only has the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the U.S. but rates that rival some African nations.

Produced by Sheila C. Johnson and directed by Susan Koch, THE OTHER CITY is a tribute to D.C.'s local heroes who are determined to solve problems that have been compounded by underfunding and lack of government support. It is also a moving reminder of the daily struggle to triumph over HIV/AIDS.

"This could have easily been an aggressive attack on government policy, but Susan has made a moving film that examines this issue in a critical yet emotionally compelling way. Jose Vargas is a guiding light, and the men and women fighting these battles on the streets of D.C. are truly inspiring. This is one of the most important films at Outfest," comments Outfest programmer Bryan Stamp.

The post-screening discussion will expand on the issues raised in the film including the role of citizen activists, government, outreach organizations, and media in combating HIV/AIDS and the many issues facing the community.

Moderated by Variety managing editor Ted Johnson, participants will include: The Other City's director, Emmy and Peabody award-winning filmmaker Susan Koch; co-producer and featured subject Jose Antonio Vargas, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist whose series of Washington Post articles inspired the film; LGBT activist and Youth Project Coordinator of Washington D.C.'s La Clinica del Pueblo Jose Vargas who is also featured in the film; and Michael Weinstein president of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization.