"Everyone who visits Africa is changed by the experience, but not everyonecan afford to go to Africa," Alicia explained. "Come with me on my journeyand learn as I learn. Let's start a virus to stop a virus- send the film toeveryone you know. Let's change this nightmare into our generation's greatestsuccess story."
Spreading the message is so important to Alicia that she is making thedocumentary available for FREE online. A portion of the film will debut liveon American Idol: Idol Gives Back on Wednesday, April 9 (7:30-10:00 PM ET/PT)on FOX. Viewers who visit www.americanidol.com will be directed towww.AliciainAfrica.com where they can watch the entire documentary. Alicia inAfrica will also be available to download courtesy of the documentary'sexclusive download partner www.SpiralFrog.com. The film will also beavailable on http://impact.myspace.com.
By distributing the film for free online, KCA knows the broadest audiencepossible will be reached, translating into understanding and compassion forthe people and then ultimately resulting in donations crucial to fulfillingKCA's mission.
Alicia's commitment carries over into her concerts. She'll screen theAlicia in Africa trailer before each concert on her American tour, which kicksoff April 19 in Virginia. Go to Aliciakeys.com for tour dates. Alicia willalso announce the "Text Alive" initiative, which allows anyone to make animmediate $5 donation to KCA simply by text messaging "Alive" to 90999.
Alicia in Africa, directed by South African filmmaker Earle Sebastian,shows us an Africa rarely seen. Travelling through Africa's beautifullandscapes we meet inspiring children, families and communities in SouthAfrica, Kenya and Uganda. The documentary is a breathtaking journey of ageneration that refuses to give up. In under an hour, Alicia introducesviewers to so many eye-opening topics surrounding the AIDS pandemic-from theGogo grannies and the Agape Orphanage to the success of antiretroviral drugs,the ongoing need to access them and KCA's essential efforts throughout Africa.
"Each time I visit Africa, I'm reminded of what's most important in thislife and uplifted by my African sisters' and brothers' courageous spirit,"said Alicia. "Hopefully, my documentary will inspire others to help us in ourmission to give the people of Mother Africa their dreams back, let theirchildren be happy and healthy and preserve the family structure that is soimportant to them."
The focus, hope and determination of the children Alicia visits are thereal power of the film. KCA hopes that watching the film will helpnon-African audiences better understand AIDS, see the human face of thedisease and realize that Africans don't need charity-just equality, just thechance to live. When Alicia joins voices with her friends in Africa, theyshow that despite dire conditions and devastating illness, their songs stillreveal strength and commitment to life.
"We hope this film will open your eyes and introduce you to theinspirational people that Africans are," said KCA Co-Founder and PresidentLeigh Blake. "Although millions are suffering through the worst health crisisin human history, causing spiritual and emotional devastation because of AIDS,still they remain a testament to human dignity."
The Alicia in Africa site was created by NYC interactive shop NightAgency, a long time ally of KCA. It was partly because of the agency'sexpertise in designing and marketing us
