The AIDS Story
Also from the AIDS file: A full page ad in the trade papers promoting a low-budget movie called “The Victims” has roused a response. The ad pictures a barechested man positioned sensually between two affectionate women under the slogan: If you don’t want to catch AIDS go see ‘The Victims’!
Charles Cotayo, director of distribution for Florida-based Mochon International Film Distribution, said: “We’ve gotten so many calls from that ad, it’s ridiculous”--some from AIDS organizations expressing concern that the film might sensationalize its subject.
Cotayo said the film concerns a successful Cuban emigre and family man in Miami whose idyllic life is shattered when the threat of AIDS looms after his impulsive act of infidelity.
Cotayo called it a cautionary tale of “significant social value” that delivers a strong message about unsafe sex. “It’s not a sensationalized, exploitative movie,” he said. “It’s reality.”
Cast with Florida actors, “The Victims” will get a trial release in south Florida on Sept. 15.
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