At the International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Voice of America today premiered a documentary that explores how stigma interferes with AIDS treatment and prevention around the world.
The documentary, Living in the Shadows, profiles six individuals combating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Canada, Cambodia, Haiti, and the United States. Each of their stories argues that no matter the community, acceptance and compassion are necessary first steps to solving the AIDS crisis.
The film was narrated by Sir Elton John, a longtime AIDS activist and founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).
“So much of my foundation’s work has been guided by this film’s thesis,” said Elton. “I always insist that AIDS can be beaten, starting right now. We don’t have to wait on a scientific breakthrough or a new miracle cure. We just need people—like the six brave men and women profiled in this film—to keep spreading compassion, and resilience, and stubborn insistence that all lives are of equal worth.”
The film can be viewed in its entirety here, and the film’s trailer can be seen here.
