“Of all the cinematic explorations of the AIDS crisis, not one is more heartbreaking and inspiring than WE WERE HERE… Throughout WE WERE HERE there is not a hint of mawkishness, self-pity or self-congratulation. The humility, wisdom and cumulative sorrow expressed lend the film a glow of spirituality and infuse it with grace.”
Stephen Holden, New York Times (July 17 capsule review, September 9 full review)
“David Weissman and Bill Weber’s brisk, tender, multifaceted, and deeply moving documentary, tells the story of the AIDS crisis through the voices of four gay men … and one woman, all of whom pitched in—for years—to help the sick and the dying because, as the movie makes clear, the circumstances made it unthinkable for them to do otherwise. They and their comrades are the equivalent of World War II resistance fighters, and the film gives their commitment and courage the celebration it deserves…. simply the most compelling history of the major tragedy and epic struggle of our time.”
Amy Taubin, Film Comment
“David Weissman’s We Were Here is a clear-eyed, soulful look at the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco, with reflective survivors talking about how community members stepped up and weathered the storm individually and collectively.” Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
“WE WERE HERE revisits the voices of a lost generation, and is a film that shook this young gay reviewer to the core, leaving a strengthened sense of historical rootedness and pride in my community that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Jake Weinraub, TheWrap.com
“It’s impossible for a single film to capture the devastation wrought by AIDS, or the heroism with which many in the LGBT community responded to it. But director David Weissman’s documentary is such a powerful achievement because he just about does it. Focusing on the arrival, detonation and devastation of AIDS in San Francisco (after first reminding viewers how and why the city was a queer utopia), Weissman employs standard documentary tools — stock footage, home movies, smart talking heads — to wonderful effect. It’s that last component that makes the film: Armed with just their voices, wit, humor and memories, the film’s interviewees break your heart with their stories.” Ernest Hardy, LA Weekly [Critic’s Pick]
San Francisco Chronicle, review by Mick LaSalle
KQED, film review by Michael Fox
San Francisco Bay Guardian, review by Mark B.
San Francisco Bay Guardian, interview by Johnny Ray Huston
Contra Costa Times, reviewby Randy Myers
Bay Area Reporter, interview with David Weissman by David Lamble
San Francisco Examiner, review by Robert Sokol
ArtForum, review by Travis Jeppesen
Screen Daily, review by Jonathan Romney
San Francisco Chronicle, interview with David Weissman by Edward Guthman
SF Weekly, event listing/ review by Michael Fox
Advocate, review by Ari Karpel
The Hollywood Reporter, review by Stephen Farber
Indiewire, essay on the importance of the film for young gay men, by Peter Knegt
SF 360, review by Dennis Harvey
J Weekly, review by Michael Fox
RADIO
KQED, The AIDS Epidemic and What It Can Still Teach Us
KQED, Forum with Michael Krasny, hosted by Scott Shafer
TELEVISION
KQED, This Week in Northern California, interview with David Weissman
