Aviva Press

By Maria Esteves - January 12, 2007

The Fifth Annual New York AIDS Film Festival 2007 press coverage is dedicated in Loving Memory of
Mel Cheren (January 21, 1933 - December 7, 2007).

The Fifth Annual New York AIDS Film Festival (NYAFF) 2007 Opening Night Jack Valenti Humanitarian Awards Ceremony was held at the United Nations Dag Hammarkjold Auditorium, Thursday, November 29, 2007, 8:00 PM. The Red Ball Awards Ceremony was held at The Riverhouse on World AIDS Day, Saturday, December 1, 2007, 8:00 PM. 2007 NYAFF ceremony acknowledge filmmakers, artists, actors, individuals, industry professionals and organizations generous support in raising awareness and contributing to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

2007 NYAFF presented by UNAIDS were sponsored by Abbott, African Action on AIDS, Golden Graal, HBO, National Geographic, New York University, SEED Gives Life, UNAIDS and Youth AIDS.

The festival included two features, four documentaries, thirteen shorts, filmmaker's Q&A, panel discussion, and gala receptions.

2007 NYAFF ceremony included ten awards. The Mout (the Man, as in human symbolizing power, prestige and authority) African wood carved staff award were presented to the following winners:

Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award

• Chief International Correspondent, Christiane Amanpour, CNN
• Director, Mira Nair, MIRABAI FILMS
• Founder, Kate Roberts, Youth AIDS
• Actress/Activist, Gloria Reuben
• Producer, Paolo Monaci, THE GOLDEN GRAAL

Red Ball Award

• Trever Rains and Richie Rich, Heatherette Design
• Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007
• Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Marjorie J. Hill, GMHC
• UN Youth Ambassador, Aubrey O'day and D. Woods, Danity Kane
• Vice President Public Affairs, Sonya Lockett, BET Networks

ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES

Kate Roberts - 2007 NYAFF Award Winner

Kate Roberts is the Founder of YouthAIDS and Five & Alive; two marketing initiatives implemented by Population Services International (PSI). She became Vice President to PSI on August 2, 1999, when she was recruited as Director of Public Affairs.

Founded in 2001, YouthAIDS is a global education and prevention initiative of PSI, that uses media, pop culture, music, theatre and sport to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and reach 600 million young people in more than 60 countries with life-saving messages, products, services and care. She enlisted Youth AIDS Global Ambassador, Ashley Judd, YouthAIDS ambassadors Wynonna Judd, Salma Hayek, Cindy Crawford, Bono and Ludacris and many others.

In July 2006, Roberts was given the distinct honor of speaking at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado along side panelists Queen Noor, Colin Powell, President Clinton, and leading health officials. She has recently been awarded the honor of "Young Global Leader of the World 2007" by The World Economic Forum that recognizes 250 global young leaders for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society, and potential to contribute to the shaping of the future world. Most recently Roberts was featured on CNN International's "Heroes" series. Roberts received the 2007 NYAFF Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award.

Paolo Monaci Freguglia - 2007 NYAFF Award Winner

Paolo Monaci Freguglia, born in 1972, in Rome, is a producer in the entertainment industry who started his career as a musician and composer. Paolo annually produces the Golden Graal - Students' Choice Awards, whose 3rd edition was transmitted on RAIUNO on June 9th, obtaining a 13% share. Paolo's objective is to offer his contribution to the development of young talent in Italian cinema in various formats (shorts, medium, features), sit-coms, workshops, festival and events. Paolo is currently producing an HD film in Rome and planning a movie in 35mm with an international co-production. Producer Freguglia received the 2007 NYAFF Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award.