 While African-American represent 12 percent of the U.S. population, they represent more than 52 percent of all new HIV infections…Black women represent 72 percent of all new HIV infections among women in the U.S. from 1999-2002…25 percent of all those who are HIV positive do not know their status…WE HAVE TO DO MORE!
Visual AIDS: A film screening and dialog about the AIDS epidemic and its impact in our community. The screening consists of 2-4 short films (narrative or documentary) followed by a discussion led by a local AIDS activist or a medical specialist.
In the struggle to get more of the Black Community involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, we must make use of a variety of resources. Beyond the standard awareness seminars and other basic outreach, we have to introduce new, innovative methods aimed at attracting folk who normally avoid such programs – arguably, the people who need the messages most. Thus, we believe the idea to use independent short films as a means to generate interest in, and activity around the HIV/AAIDS epidemic is a solid step in that effort.
In a unique pairing, “Visual AIDS” combines the energy and excitement of the independent film community with HIV/AIDS advocacy. The short film screenings, followed by an informative discussion with the films’ director (s) and AIDS advocates, serve to offer audiences a much more engaging vehicle to examine the state of HIV/AIDS in our community. By teaming with your organization and a local AIDS advocacy group, will we be able to help raise awareness and activity in your community.
FOUNDERS/PRESENTERS:
Chris Cathcart serves as a board member for the Black AIDS Institute and has been involved in HIV/AIDS awareness efforts for more than five years.
Ralph Scott is the program director for a black film organization and has been promoting independent and niche’ market films for more than 12 years.
For information on how you can make VISUAL AIDS a part of your outreach efforts, please contact Chris Cathcart (Chris@OneDG.com) or Ralph Scott (indie_house2003@yahoo.com), or call 323/850-8982.
|
