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 restores dignity and trust within underserved communities by providing world-class LGBTQ+ empowering healthcare, support services, and HIV specialty care. Since 1983, APLA Health has remained steadfast in its commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our lifetime. The agency is a multi-site operation includes eight Federally Qualified health Center (FQHC) locations, serving more than 18,000 people annually in Los Angeles County, the nation’s most populous. We provide 20 different services including: medical, dental, behavioral health and HIV specialty care; PrEP counseling and management; health education and HIV prevention; and STD screening and treatment. For people living with HIV, we offer housing support; benefits counseling; home healthcare; and the Vance North Necessities of Life Program food pantries; among several other critically needed services. Additionally, we are leaders in advocating for policy and legislation that positively impact the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities and conduct community-based research on issues affecting the communities we serve. For more information on APLA Health visit https://aplahealth.org.
