Voice of America AIDS Documentary Premieres at the International AIDS Conference

Sir Elton John provides heartfelt, inspirational narration for the film

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Jul 21, 2014, 08:00 ET

NEW YORK, July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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.

About EJAF

At the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) we believe that AIDS can be beaten. We act on that belief by raising funds for effective programs and policies, and also by speaking out with honesty and compassion about the realities of people's lives. Sir Elton John created EJAF over twenty years ago, first in the United States in 1992 and then in the United Kingdom in 1993. Through hard work and with the help of our network of kind, amazing, creative, and generous friends and supporters, the two foundations together have raised more than $300 million over the past two decades to combat stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and services, and motivate governments to end AIDS. The U.S. foundation focuses its efforts on programs in the United States, the Americas, and the Caribbean, while the U.K. foundation funds HIV-related work in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Join us in speaking out, taking action, and contributing to our efforts to achieve a world without AIDS.

American Airlines is the official sponsoring airline of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

SOURCE Elton John AIDS Foundation