Film Chronicles Foundation's Twenty-Year Battle to Eradicate Pediatric AIDS
and Create a Generation Free of HIV
NEW YORK, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Prominent photographer, television personality, and filmmaker Nigel Barker premiered his newest documentary film last evening, entitled Generation Free, about the global fight against pediatric HIV/AIDS. The film is a moving representation of Barker's time in Tanzania with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, for which he serves as a Celebrity Ambassador.
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(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091023/DC98059)
Barker premiered the documentary at a private viewing with numerous celebrities, Foundation staff, and supporters in attendance at the Sony Screening Room on Madison Avenue, generously provided by Sony Cierge.
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"We had a life-changing experience in Tanzania," said Barker, who traveled to the country with Foundation staff earlier in the year. "Despite the dire straits many find themselves in because of diseases like HIV/AIDS, there is more than just hope to hold on to. Due to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation's efforts, real results are achievable."
The film follows Barker as he visits Foundation-supported sites throughout Tanzania, from urban clinics in Dar es Salaam to rural Maasai villages. He documents inspiring stories from women, children, and health care workers affected by HIV and AIDS, and captures stunning images of the people and places he encounters, all the while chronicling the Foundation's ongoing efforts to create a generation free of HIV. The film also documents the history of Elizabeth Glaser and the global foundation she created as it commemorates its 20th year.
"The Foundation is indebted to Nigel Barker for his passion and commitment in the fight against pediatric AIDS," said Foundation President and CEO Pamela W. Barnes, who attended the premiere along with Jake Glaser, Elizabeth Glaser's son. "This film shows that we have the medicines we need to eliminate AIDS in children - we just have to reach the mothers, children, and families with the prevention and treatment services they so desperately need."
Started in the U.S. 20 years ago by Elizabeth Glaser after her daughter, Ariel, died of AIDS, the Foundation now works around the world to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and provide care and treatment to children and families affected by the virus. While there are now less than 200 infants infected with HIV in the U.S. each year, more than 1,000 children are infected with HIV around the world each day. The Foundation works in 17 countries to fight the pandemic, with a strong presence in sub-Saharan Africa, where almost 90 percent of children living with HIV live.
"Tanzania is a wonderful example of how, working with national governments, other organizations, and civil society, we can make great strides in preventing new infections, saving lives, and reducing stigma," said Anja Giphart, Foundation Country Director for Tanzania, who was also present for the screening.
"Twenty years ago, Elizabeth Glaser realized there was a moment to act - a moment to change attitudes, demand action, and give a voice to parents and children living with HIV and AIDS," said Barnes. "Nigel Barker's film Generation Free invites viewers to join a new moment for action, to finish the work Elizabeth started and create a global generation that is born and lives free of HIV."
To view the full documentary and learn more, visit www.pedaids.org/NigelBarker.
About Nigel Barker: British-born Nigel Barker is a world-renowned photographer, regarded for his work as photographer and judge on the hit television show America's Next Top Model. Currently airing its 13th cycle, the show is syndicated in more than 125 countries with a weekly global audience of over 100 million people. Barker is also the creator of the TV show, The Shot on VH1. He directs and produces films, documentaries, and commercials for fashion-entertainment and Hollywood clients as well as international, charitable organizations.
About the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation: The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a worldwide leader in the fight against pediatric AIDS. Its innovative research programs, collaborative training initiatives, advocacy efforts, and rapidly expanding international prevention and treatment programs are bringing dramatic changes to the lives of children and families affected by HIV and AIDS worldwide. For more information, visit www.pedaids.org/jointhemoment.
About Sony Cierge: Sony Cierge provides insider access to the full Sony experience. Members not only receive "First in Line" product access for Sony's hot new product launches, but are assured to be among the first to own Sony's cutting-edge technology. Membership benefits include a dedicated personal concierge to offer advice and guidance on all of your Sony product needs as well as for special gifts for friends, family and business associates. Sony Cierge is also a conduit to private sneak previews of new Sony Pictures' films, Sony Music artist releases, joint events with luxury partners and other exclusive Sony events. Sony Cierge is pleased to support Sony ambassador Nigel Barker's efforts around this worthy cause.
SOURCE Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
