How would you react if you were diagnosed as HIV-positive? Keep quiet, pretend nothing happened and write off your past? Endure the agony by yourself?
A new documentary titled "Talk Back Out Loud" produced by an independent Japanese filmmaker asks viewers these questions, showing how American women with HIV have regained a sense of self-esteem by presenting their own stories through theatrical performances and audience interaction.
"Many of them became distraught and felt ashamed of being infected with HIV," said Kaori Sakagami, director of the documentary film. "But they gradually retained their voices by keeping a firm eye on their past in the play, and have moved forward. I think it is an impressive practice."