This production was made as the opening film for the IV International AIDS Conference in Stockholm in June 1988. It gives a broad representation of the global AIDS situation in the late 1980's, and has a particular focus on social structures, poverty and stigma.

4th International AIDS Conference in Stockholm in 1988. Australian Judge Michael Kirby estimates the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and talks about the scientific discoveries so far. He reflects on the moral issues connected with AIDS and talks about stigma and civil rights.

Paulo Cofforino, Professor in Ethics in the University of Milan and member of National AIDS Committee of the Italian Ministry of Health, talks about AIDS in connection with ethics regarding the patients. Location shots: University of Milan

"AIDS – Metaphor and Reality" is the very first Face of AIDS documentary from 1986, experts as well as people living with HIV and AIDS speak about stigma. The main message of this film is that AIDS is a worldwide issue which concerns everyone regardless of their sexual preferences.