How to Survive a Pandemic

Directed by acclaimed journalist and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker David France (Welcome to Chechnya), How to Survive a Pandemic takes an inside look at the historic, multi-national race to research, develop, regulate, and roll out COVID-19 vaccines in the war against the coronavirus pandemic. This documentary began filming in early 2020 as the largest public health effort in history got underway and followed those efforts over the next 18 months, exploring in real time the hard work and collaboration of health agencies worldwide, as well as the political and moral failures of governments to act impartially and equitably.

How to Survive a Pandemic details the work of researchers in their labs, scientists conducting volunteer trials and science journalists working to stay abreast of the fast-shifting landscape as the coronavirus continued its deadly onslaught. With unparalleled access to world-renowned scientists, the heads of pharmaceutical companies, government agencies and frontline workers, this documentary is the definitive chronicle of the most consequential undertaking of the 21st century. It is where towering achievements in science collide with the geopolitical realities of desperation, greed, and nationalism.

How to Survive a Pandemic is an HBO Documentary Films and Public Square Films production in association with Impact Partners, Sandbox Films, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Wellcome Trust and Sky. It is directed by David France; produced by Mira Chang; written by David France and Tyler H. Walk; edited by Adam Evans and Tyler H. Walk; executive produced by Joy Tomchin, Jenny Raskin, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Jim & Susan Swartz, Nina & David Fialkow; Greg Boustead, Jessica Harrop; and co-executive produced by Scott & Molly Forstall, Marni E.J. Grossman, and Lauren & John Driscoll. For HBO: senior producer, Sara Rodriguez; executive producers, Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller.