Charlotte Lagarde
film and visual art
REPORTER ZERO
Executive-producer
a film by Carrie Lozano
documentary film - 24:38 - 2005
broadcast on MTV/logo - available on DVD
DESCRIPTION
Determined to rattle a nation in denial, Randy Shilts doggedly covered AIDS when few others would. A “San Francisco Chronicle” reporter and the first openly gay journalist in the mainstream media, Shilts wrote from the front lines of the AIDS crisis while secretly struggling against the disease. Insightful and controversial, his reporting culminated in his best-selling book “And the Band Played On,” a seminal work on the politics and history of AIDS. Shilts’ story exemplifies the power of journalism, represents a critical moment in LGBT history, documents massive institutional failure, and is an inspirational reminder that one person can make a difference.
PRESS
“Filmmaker Carrie Lozano’s provocative film isn’t content to document a crucial historical moment, but delivers a sharp poke at those complacent about the disease’s continuing devastation.”
- Michael Fox, SF Weekly
"A compelling story about the power of giving voice to the voiceless. Every journalism student should see this powerful documentary."
- Tim Gleason, Edwin L. Artzt Dean School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon
"Reporter Zero captures the exuberance of the 1970s gay rights movement, the tragedy of the AIDS crisis in its early years, as well as the importance of bearing witness in marginalized communities. It is a vital document that uncovers a history that is discussed far too infrequently."
- Chris Bell, Fellow, Center on Human Policy, Law, and Disability StudiesSyracuse University
AWARDS
Winner, Best Documentary
Student Academy Award
Winner, David L. Wolper Award
the International Documentary Association
Best Documentary nominee
Berlin International Film Festival
ABC Videosource Award nominee
the International Documentary Association