In honor of Elizabeth Taylor and her commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) is pleased to announce the debut of a short film narrated by actor Colin Farrell, directed and produced by Adam Shankman, with music donated by Katy Perry, Coldplay and One Republic. The short debuted this morning, December 1st, 2014, for World AIDS Day at http://www.etaf.org/video and across all of Elizabeth Taylor’s and ETAF’s social media channels. The film serves as a call to action and raises awareness that the global fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over.
Colin Farrell, dear friend of Elizabeth’s, said, “This project shines a bright light on Elizabeth’s fearless and tireless commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and it is an honor to be a part of it. The threat of HIV is ever-present — even with the great advancements in research and treatment, there is an enormous amount of work to be done in order to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030, which is the UN’s new fast-track goal. Elizabeth was a visionary in many ways, and she set up The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation to care for the most marginalized people affected by HIV/AIDS until a cure is discovered.”
Today also marks the one-year anniversary of ETAF’s partnership with Madonna and her charity, Raising Malawi. The two organizations implemented an HIV/AIDS education prevention and testing program aimed at young people called Grassroot Soccer (GRS), which uses the popularity of the sport in Africa to deliver its message to the highest HIV infected areas in the country. Last week, Madonna visited Malawi and witnessed GRS at work in one of Raising Malawi’s children’s homes, Home of Hope.
Thirty years ago, the legendary actress, businesswoman, and fearless activist began her work fighting HIV/AIDS with AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) where she organized the first public fundraiser known as Commitment to Life. Ms. Taylor devoted her time consistently and generously to raise awareness and find a cure for the disease. Her passion and commitment to the cause helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars. She was one of the first celebrities to do so at a time when few would even acknowledge the disease. Taylor co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) in 1985 and founded The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991. She received multiple accolades honoring her important work, including the Légion d’honneur from France and the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Clinton. Ms. Taylor was also named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
“By donating to ETAF, we can keep her vision alive,” continued Farrell. “When Elizabeth Taylor accepted an honorary Oscar in 1992 for her work in HIV/AIDS causes, she implored us to be ‘a human race,’ and care for those who need our help. It’s 20 years later and that plea still stands.”
