Today, Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day, and HBO is marking the occasion by debuting their latest documentary "The Battle of Amfar."
The film, co-directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman ("The Celluloid Closet," "The Life And Times Of Harvey Milk") depicts the creation of America’s first AIDS research foundation, amfAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research), which was the result of when screen legend Elizabeth Taylor and research scientist Dr. Mathilde Krim decided to work together to find a cure for HIV and AIDS.
"The Battle of AmFAR" consists of interviews and rarely seen archival footage such as Taylor speaking before Congress for AIDS research funding. In her testimony Taylor said "No one is safe... it is not just a minority disease. It belongs to all of us. I ask here and now for the national leadership that is necessary to fully appropriate this bill. Because I will continue to come and ask for it again, and again... And I will not be silenced, and I will not give up, and I will not be ignored."
Taylor was one of the first celebrities to bring attention to the disease and along with the passion of Dr. Krim, the two women helped form amfAR which has gone on to raise $366 million for HIV and AIDS research.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first World AIDS Day, to learn more about the national day of awareness, head on over here and watch the trailer for "The Battle of Amfar" above.
"The Battle of Amfar" airs Dec. 1 at 3:45 p.m. EST on HBO and makes its primetime debut Dec. 2 at 9 p.m. EST on HBO.
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