Suzanne Africa Engo

AIDS ACTIVIST SUZANNE AFRICA ENGO’S “I LOVE AFRICA” DOCUMENTARY TO PREMIERE ON DECEMBER 1 IN HONOR OF WORLD AIDS DAY


The Film Follows Engo as She Travels Multiple Continents in a Fight to Save Others and Save Herself


New York, NY, – November 17 2011 – “I Love Africa,” a feature-length documentary following HIV/AIDS activist Suzanne Africa Engo, will premiere December 1, in honor of World AIDS Day, on MTV Act, an online platform that celebrates stories of young people, celebrities and organizations taking action to make things better. 


“I Love Africa” gives young people an in-depth look at how one individual can make a difference in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The film follows Engo as she struggles to lose 110 pounds by running to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. The activist set a challenge that she would lose the weight and run from the United Nations in New York to Oprah Winfrey Studios in Chicago. After the mission was completed, she continued a run through three different continents, promoting awareness of AIDS charities and initiatives such as Bono and Bobby Shriver’s (Product) RED and Russell Simmons’ DEF FUND. 


MTV, along with the Kaiser Family Foundation, has ranked Engo one of the Top 40 Youth AIDS activists in the world. Engo is the founder of the NY AIDS Film Festival and co-founder of African Action on AIDS. 


“I remember that MTV was one of the first organizations to create HIV/AIDS PSAs, and to this day, they remain committed to fighting the spread of STDs,” said Engo. “The fact that I was a viewer and became an empowered partner is a testament to their ability to awaken young people and keep them tuned into issues that affect their lives. I hope that my film will resonate with young people and inspire them to fight HIV/AIDS as well.” 


MTV Act will make the film available online throughout the month of December at http://www.act.mtv.com/iloveafrica

 as part of MTV’s “GYT” campaign. Launched in 2009 with the Kaiser Family Foundation in response to the staggering rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among young people in the U.S., GYT seeks to reduce the spread of STD’s among those under 25. 


In addition to watching the film, young people can take action by getting tested for HIV/AIDS. To locate a local testing center, head to http://www.gytnow.org/

 or text your zip code to GYTNOW (498669). 


Contact:
Andy Catauro/212-591-1434 Press@girlbehindthecameraproductions.com