The Steps for the future documentary film project began in 2000, as a shared journey by talented African filmmakers and well-known professionals from around the world. The experience of the North combined with the knowledge of the South was an auspicious fusion that helped create 38 unique films. It was also the catalyst for new documentary projects such as Why Democracy? All the films produced dealt with the question of death and the enormous problem of HIV and AIDS in Southern Africa. Films that millions of people have seen worldwide, that have received awards from Cannes to Zanzibar, and - dubbed into local languages - are still used throughout southern Africa. Steps by steps provides an honest and thorough picture of the process, step by step. Detailed accounts of the logistics of making the series are mingled with reflections on the art of direction, working with other people and the reality of the lives of those people affected by HIV and AIDS. Steps by steps gives a rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of documentary films and the building of a worldwide project, complete with its problems and triumphs, mistakes and unique results.