19.5.2006
“This Story must be told over and over again”

When the VIPs of international film congregate on La Croisette Boulevard at the 59th Cannes Film Festival (May 17 – 28), three giant LED screens will ensure that the stars’ smiles can be seen in all their glory by even the most distant spectator. During the quieter moments on the red carpet, these huge screens will carry the 45-second trailer to the film “A Closer Walk”. The highly-acclaimed documentary film highlights the dangers of the AIDS pandemic. GM supports the screening of Robert Bilheimer’s film, as part of GM’s ongoing commitment to health and human welfare.

SpoTVision, operator of the screens in Cannes, selected this film because of its relevant and powerful message. In total, the trailer to “A Closer Walk” will be shown 612 times. In GM’s opinion, the screening of the film represents an historic opportunity to bring the global AIDS issue strongly to the fore front. It explores the intricate relationship between health, dignity, and human rights, as well as our responsibilities to one another. It shows the harsh realities of the disease, while at the same time offering hope amidst tragedy.

GM has invested around one million US dollars in a multi-year HIV/AIDS awareness campaign with this critically-acclaimed film as the focal point. It features actors Glenn Close and Will Smith as well as United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and rock musician and activist Bono. “Balancing strong messages of hope, compassion and prevention, this documentary serves to remind us of the tragedy of AIDS on present as well as future generations”, says Rod Gillum, GM Vice President Corporate Responsibility and Diversity. “This story must be told over and over again.”

General Motors believes that the battle against HIV/AIDS must take place through all means of partnerships between governments, civil society and the business world. GM itself provides HIV/AIDS education, awareness and prevention programs for its employees, their families and high risk communities where it has operations.

General Motors is committed to supporting the global distribution of Robert Bilheimer’s film. Screening venues have included Johannesburg, Durban, Bangkok, New Delhi, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Washington, D.C., Toronto, Phnom Penh, and Kiev. In several countries worldwide the film has been on national broadcasts during prime time or will be broadcast in the near future. It is estimated that by the end of 2006, around one billion people will have seen the film.