Desert Migration is a powerful and moving documentary that follows the lives of a group of gay men living with HIV in Palm Springs, California. The film explores the challenges they face as they age and confront the realities of living with a disease that was once considered a death sentence. Director Daniel Cardone takes a personal approach to the subject matter, using his own experiences living with HIV to inform the film's perspective. He also incorporates the stories of a diverse group of men, ranging from those who have lived with the disease for many years to those who have only recently been diagnosed.
The film is structured around a series of interviews with the men, interspersed with footage of their daily lives. We see them attending support groups, going to doctor's appointments, and socializing with one another. Many of the men are also coping with other health issues related to aging, such as heart disease and arthritis.
Despite the challenges they face, the men are remarkably resilient and have built strong communities around one another. They find comfort in their shared experiences and many credit their HIV status with allowing them to connect on a deeper level with others in their community.
The film also explores issues related to intimacy and sexuality for men living with HIV. Many of the men discuss their difficulties in forming romantic and sexual relationships, and how the stigma of the disease continues to impact their lives.
Throughout the film, the beauty of the Palm Springs landscape serves as a backdrop to the men's stories. The desert provides a sense of tranquility and calm, but also represents the harsh realities of survival in a harsh environment.
Desert Migration is a deeply moving and intimate portrait of a community of men who have faced more than their fair share of challenges. It is a testament to the power of human resilience in the face of adversity, and a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those living with HIV.
Desert Migration is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.
