Sunday, November 26----The on-going struggle of combatting AIDS in Africa is the focus of UK director Paul Taylor's powerful film WE ARE TOGETHER, which is having its world premiere screening this evening at the International Documentary Filmfestival Amsterdam (idfa). The film, a debut by its director, is competing in the First Appearances section of the Festival.

The devastation of the AIDS epidemic is told through the story of a 12 year old South African girl named Slindile, who lives at the Agape Orphanage in South Africa, a home for children, many of whom have lost their parents to AIDS. The children form a choir which becomes a great source of comfort and hope. Meanwhile Slindile makes regular visits to her former home, where her parents taught her to sing as a child, and where her brother Sifiso is ill. Her worst fears are confirmed when the doctors diagnose him with HIV.

The film deftly uses the inspiration of singing in a chorus as a way for these troubled young people to look forward with hope and defiance into the future. The film was produced by Rise Films in collaboration wit the UK's Channel Four.

Website: wearetogetherfilm.com

Sandy Mandelberger
Online Festival Dailies Editor