The Welsh National Opera has released a new film for World Aids Day.

The short film takes inspiration from the famed scene from “Philadelphia” that features Maria Callas singing “La mamma morta.” In the new film, the aria is reinterpreted by Camilla Roberts and the WNO Orchestra and features scenes that explore the perspective and experience of people living with HIV today.

“’Philadelphia’ exists in a canon of work about HIV and AIDS – along with ‘Angels in America’ and ‘Rent’ – and whilst these are all incredible pieces of work, they focus on HIV as life-limiting because of the time-period they cover,” said Nathanial J. Hall, who performs new text in the film. “It’s important now to use storytelling and music to celebrate how far we’ve come and raise awareness of the modern-day realities of living with HIV. Sadly, people still face stigma, discrimination, and rejection from others because of this virus and there’s absolutely no reason why they should.”

“La Mamma morta” is the third edition of the “Three Letters” project initiated in September 2021 and is preceded by “We learn, we know, we understand” and “All These Dreams.”