Out Takes

30 Apr 2019

Modern AIDS Cinema with Yen Tan’s ‘1985’

Arts, TV & Film

To celebrate the theatrical release of Yen Tan’s 1985, we’re turning our attention to modern AIDS cinema and looking at the ways in which it recalls and recollects the early AIDS crisis.

Our guest was Yen Tan, whose moving new film 1985 has been called “richly hypnotic” and “deeply emotional”.

Set in Texas in 1985, the film charts the journey of Adrian Lester, a closeted gay man, who returns home to tell his family that he is dying of AIDS. Shot on black and white super 16mm film, 1985 takes a unique look at a pivotal moment in American history through the prism of empathy, love and family.

1985 is also just one of a spate of recent films that have sought to re-envisage and recreate the tragedy of the early AIDS crisis.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:50 — 47.5MB)

Subscribe or Follow Us: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | Email | Deezer | RSS

3 Feb 2026

2026 Europa! Europa Film Festival 

TV & Film

Now that we're well in to this new year, we’re starting to see the return of some of our favourite ...

27 Jan 2026

‘From All Sides’ featuring special guest Bina Bhattacharya, plus ‘Blue Moon’ review

TV & Film

For this Out Takes, we were excited to introduce you to 'From All Sides', a new Australian feature film that ...

20 Jan 2026

Mardi Gras Film Festival 2026

TV & Film

It's no secret we love a film festival and with the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival returning  this ...