Killing Patient Zero poster

Killing Patient Zero (2019)

98 min ·Not Rated
DocumentaryHistory
aidslgbt1980shiv/aids epidemic

Skilfully revealing the homophobia behind the headlines, this doc traces the devastating impact of the 1980s AIDS epidemic and clears the name of the Québécois flight attendant who was infamously known as “patient zero.”

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From Stonewall to the AIDS crisis to today's battles — films documenting the real, raw, fierce history of queer resistance and survival. We remember. We fight. We persist. These are the films that bear witness.

Crew

Laurie Lynd director
Laurie Lynd writer
Allan Weinrib producer
Corey Russell producer

Cast

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Comments

rm Apr 11, 2026

The story of Gaëtan Dugas — the man falsely blamed for bringing AIDS to North America — is one of the most vicious acts of scapegoating in modern history. A gay Québécois flight attendant was turned into a monster by a press that needed a villain more than it needed the truth. This documentary methodically dismantles that lie while also asking us to reckon with why we so desperately needed someone to blame. Spoiler: it was homophobia all the way down. Essential, infuriating, and ultimately an act of posthumous justice for a man who deserved so much better from history.