World AIDS Day Spotlight: ICA screens Death Sentence
On World AIDS Day, the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London collaborates with The Independent to present a screening of Death Sentence, a hard-hitting documentary that investigates the consequences of drastic funding cuts to HIV/AIDS programs, notably from USAID. As nations grapple with rising infection rates and constrained resources, the film offers a timely, data-driven look at how policy choices reverberate through communities most in need.
What the film reveals about funding and impact
Death Sentence delves into the operational reality behind headlines about aid. It documents clinics forced to close, treatment interruptions for people living with HIV, and a worrying slowdown in prevention efforts. The documentary presents testimony from healthcare workers, researchers, and patients, painting a human picture of a policy landscape where decisions made in capitals scale to lives saved or lost in distant towns and rural clinics.
Through investigative reporting and on-the-ground footage, the film challenges viewers to consider questions such as: How can the global community sustain progress in the face of reduced donor funding? What are the longer-term costs of pulling back on HIV prevention and treatment programs? These inquiries align closely with ongoing debates about aid effectiveness, national sovereignty, and the moral responsibilities of wealthier nations in global health.
Context: HIV/AIDS, aid, and global health policy
The documentary arrives at a moment when international donors have signaled tighter belts and re-evaluated programs. Advocates warn that slashing funding now could undermine years of gains, threaten drug resistance management, and stall advancements toward ending AIDS as a public health threat. In this context, Death Sentence functions not just as a reportage piece but as a catalyst for dialogue among policymakers, clinicians, activists, and the public.
Why screen this film at the ICA
The ICA has a long-standing commitment to presenting work that interrogates power, policy, and the human cost of political choices. By hosting Death Sentence for a World AIDS Day screening, the venue anchors a critical conversation at a cultural crossroads—where art, journalism, and public health intersect. The event invites audiences to reflect on responsibility, resilience, and the role of public institutions in safeguarding health equity.
What attendees can expect
Audience members will gain a clearer understanding of how funding decisions translate into front-line outcomes. The screening will be followed by a panel including healthcare workers, researchers, and representatives from advocacy groups. The discussion will explore practical steps communities can take to sustain HIV/AIDS services, advocate for sustained funding, and monitor the impact of policy shifts on vulnerable populations.
A call to action on World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is a reminder that the fight against HIV/AIDS is ongoing and must adapt to changing resource environments. Death Sentence amplifies that call to action by making the consequences of policy choices tangible and urgent. Viewers are encouraged to engage, share insights, and participate in advocacy efforts to keep HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care accessible to all who need it.
Event details
Venue: Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), London
Date: World AIDS Day (announced screening date)
Format: Film screening followed by a panel discussion
Closing thoughts
As the global community navigates a period of unprecedented cuts to HIV/AIDS funding, Death Sentence offers a compelling reminder that policy is not abstract. Its impact is real, immediate, and deeply personal for millions living with HIV and for communities at risk. The ICA’s screening is more than a film-night—it is a movement moment to advocate for sustained, science-driven, and rights-based responses to HIV/AIDS.
