"The Band Played On" is a documentary film released in 1993, based on the book by Randy Shilts. It chronicles the early years of the AIDS epidemic in the United States, focusing on the struggles of the medical community and the LGBTQ+ community in understanding and combating the disease. The film highlights the political and social challenges faced during this crisis. The narrative follows key figures, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Don Francis, as they work to uncover the causes of HIV and advocate for public health measures. It emphasizes the importance of awareness, research, and activism in addressing the epidemic's impact on society.