How to Tell a Secret (Documentary)

A film that brandishes the documentary form and art to try to dismantle the stigma of being HIV positive that still persists in society. This film highlights the stories of those whose lives have been affected by HIV in Ireland. Rather than using the project as a cautionary tale, the subjects share their ‘secrets’ and how their lives have continued despite their diagnosis. It is stressed throughout the film that its function is not to present another somber outlook on this disease, as we see there are many subjects living happily, rather, the film is meant to pose the exact question the title suggests. How do you tell a secret?

For an illness that can be easy to live with – it is easier to live with than diabetes – there is still a staggeringly dangerous narrative surrounding HIV. The documentary handles these notions of advocacy, stigma and secrecy with impressive grace. If one woman can’t tell her dad about her illness, for example, she can’t be expected to openly tell the world. The acting within these scenes can also feel melodramatic, although never cloying. It touches on the possible reasons behind continued stigma – for example, the media using damaging language and hurtful narratives – but it remains focussed on the people living with HIV. Ireland, like so many other countries around the world, marks HIV out as an epidemic of silence. It is a country that has one of the highest rates of diagnoses in Europe, with Lawlor putting this down to lack of education.

Many of the subjects in the film use the platform to inform their loved ones they are HIV positive. Actors perform monologues of real people’s lived experiences in learning they have HIV and telling their loved ones. Some scenes play out as recreations of the events themselves. Blending elements of theatre into the film, This was a very very interesting watch, almost poetic, seeing actors converse with real life folks, representing them and seeing how they got affected by the stories they have to represent. The film relies on imagery to convey the depth beyond the interviews. The dramatic readings were shot in an abstract manner to draw out the emotion. Experiencing the interpretation of stories and the way in which they are brought to life is what this film excelled at. Telling the story of HIV and AIDS in a rational yet life-affirming manner requires extraordinary skills. And by combining theatrical techniques with those of a documentary filmmaker, the filmmakers have created an educational, uplifting and joyous film. This is not an easy film to watch at all, especially if you are one with it or know of someone close dealing with an issue like this. Some stories are very personal and fear o being rejected and not being loved are real feelings. The documentary may be a little long and I wish some of the scenes were edited out better, but nonetheless it is important watch. It maybe set in Ireland, but I can see this being very very relevant in almost any part of the world. (6/10)