There are nearly 5 million South Africans currently infected with HIV. The South African government has failed to provide anti-retroviral medicines to them in public hospitals and clinics. And, incredibly, the President of the country, Thabo Mbeki, has consistently questioned the link between HIV and AIDS.
It is in this context that Zackie Achmat, the HIV positive acting chairperson of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), refuses to take anti-retrovirals until they are made available by the government in public hospitals.
Filmed over five months, IT'S MY LIFE follows Zackie as he leads a
court battle against the multinational drug companies to allow the introduction of cheaper, generic drugs, and takes on the South African government for it's confusing policies around HIV/AIDS.


"[Zackie Achmat is] the most significant protest leader in South Africa since Nelson Mandela."-Pulitzer Prize Winner Samantha Power, for The New Yorker

"Highly Recommended! Invaluable in promoting the understanding of issues that drive policymaking. I was extremely impressed with Tilley's ability to reflect both the human and political sides of the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS."-Educational Media Reviews Online

"An interesting introduction to a pointed political issue in South Africa and the World, and underscores the grass roots activism that continues to be necessary for proper advocacy of people with HIV/AIDS."-AIDS Book Review Journal "Inspiring... The worldwide impact of AIDS, universal healthcare issues, and Achmat's heroic stance broaden the appeal of this memorable video."-Booklist

✮Special Jury Prize, 2001 Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival

✮Special Award for Human Rights Awareness, presented by Václav Havel, 2002 One World International Human Right Film Festival

✮2002 DoubleTake Documentary Film Festival

✮2002 African Studies Association Film Festival