In her first film, Anahí Berneri, focuses on a story not often seen in Latin American film. A Year Without Love takes place in the Argentina of 1996 and is based on the autobiography of Pablo Pérez, one of the cowriters of the movie. In it, they introduce the lead character, Pablo (Juan Minujín), a poet who lives with AIDS and struggles every day with this disease. Because of his fear of infecting anyone else through any sexual act, he submerges himself in the dark world of sadomasochist practices with the hope of finding happiness through pain and with the illusion of finding a man who loves and accepts him for who he is. Berneri’s Opera Prima helps to dismantle stereotypes that carriers of the AIDS virus face. Also the year in which this film is placed is important because it marked advancement in treatment of the disease through innovative medications.

Thomas J. Shalloe

Arizona State University