Media Contact:
Joe Hui, Director of Communications
213.201.1342
jhui@aplahealth.org
4.24.2024
APLA Health’s award-winning documentary, "Commitment to Life," will have its primetime broadcast on MSNBC on Sunday, April 28th at 6 pm PT. This special edited version will provide viewers across the nation with a glimpse into the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Los Angeles, as told by an intrepid group of Angelenos, including the doctors, bar owners, activists, studio moguls, and celebrities, who helped change the course.
Directed by Emmy Award-winning documentarian Jeffrey Schwarz, the documentary intertwines archival footage and new interviews with Alison Arngrim, Karamo Brown, Dr. Michael Gottlieb, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Jonathan Murray, Melissa Rivers, and Bruce Vilanch, as well as HIV/AIDS activists, Stephen Bennett, Robert Contreras, Bill Misenhimer, Torie Osborn, Rev. Steve Pieters, Jewel Thais-Williams, Bamby Salcedo, and Phill Wilson.
"We are thrilled to partner with MSNBC to bring 'Commitment to Life' to a wider audience," said Craig E. Thompson, CEO of APLA Health. "This documentary is not just a reflection of our organization's work, but a tribute to the resilience of those affected by HIV/AIDS, and the unique role that Los Angeles has played in and a call to action for continued support and advocacy."
After its premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the documentary was screened at over 50 film festivals worldwide, winning Best Feature Documentary at the Long Beach QFilm Festival, and Director’s Choice and Festival Favorite at Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival.
In addition to the broadcast on MSNBC, viewers can view the full, unedited version of the documentary anytime by streaming on Peacock.
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APLA Health (formerly AIDS Project Los Angeles) restores dignity and trust within underserved communities by providing world-class LGBTQ+ empowering healthcare, HIV specialty care, food, housing, and other essential support services. Since our founding in 1983, APLA Health has remained steadfast in our commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in our lifetime. We operate eight Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) locations in Los Angeles County, serving more than 19,000 people annually, regardless of ability to pay. Our list of comprehensive services includes LGBTQ+ primary care, dental care, behavioral healthcare, HIV specialty care, and Out Here Sexual Health services (PrEP, STD screening & treatment, DoxyPEP, and PEP). For people with HIV, our wraparound support services include housing assistance through the Alliance for Housing & Healing and nutritional support via the Vance North Necessities of Life Program, the largest food pantry in the United States for people with HIV, distributing over 800,000 meals annually. APLA Health’s annual fundraisers include AIDS Walk LA — the world's first and oldest AIDS Walk — and Best in Drag Show. We are leaders in advocating for policy and legislation at the local, state and Federal levels that positively impact the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities. For more information, visit aplahealth.org.
