New documentary on living HIV-positive in Indiana to premier June 25 at Earth House, produced by Indiana AmeriCorps members
“Let Us Not Forget” explores fears about HIV and battle to live a full life despite disease
INDIANAPOLIS
(June 9, 2009) – Nearly everyone has heard of HIV and AIDS. Yet, few
truly understand the disease; how it is transmitted, who is at risk and
how it is treated. Six National AIDS Fund AmeriCorps members, in
conjunction with the Indiana AIDS Fund, go beyond the textbooks and
public service announcements to share what living with HIV is really
like in their new documentary, “Let Us Not Forget. A film about HIV/AIDS in Indiana.”
The premiere screening of “Let Us Not Forget”
will be at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 25 at Earth House (Lockerbie United
Methodist Church), 237 N. East St. A reception will begin at 7 p.m.,
with light refreshments and a silent auction.
The
AmeriCorps team spent the last six months talking with and filming
HIV-positive individuals in central Indiana. The stories they share are
ones of fear associated with diagnosis, determination for survival,
rejection by family and friends, and the lifelong battle for good
health.
“We
interviewed a broad spectrum of people; straight, gay, married, single,
women, transgendered, black, white, Hispanic,” says Jamie Roberts, one
of the AmeriCorps members associated with the project. “Through all of
this, I was reminded that HIV can happen to anyone.”
There
are cases of HIV or AIDS in all 92 counties in Indiana. Marion County
accounts for more than half of all diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases in the
state. The documentary also dispels the misperception that HIV is only
a “gay disease;” 22 percent of all cases in Indiana are among
African-American women.
“I
think these people are truly heroes for letting us come into their
homes and putting a face to HIV. Their stories will move you to a place
of greater understanding, and more importantly, to a place of greater
action,” says Amanda Quillen, AmeriCorps member.
Mass
Overstanding Productions assisted in producing the documentary. Matthew
Officer directed and served as creative consultant, donating a large
portion of his time and services to the project. Other sponsors,
partners and donors include the Indiana AIDS Fund, The Health
Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, Circle City HIV/AIDS Coalition, The
Damien Center, Step-Up, Inc., Brothers United, Ebenezer Missionary
Baptist Church, Marion County Health Department, Wishard Health
Services and Earth House Collective.
The
Earth House Café will open at 5:30 p.m. for those who want to purchase
dinner prior to the event. Chef Jenxi’s Menu is all organic, vegetarian
and contains locally grown ingredients.
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