Email: Global Focus Films
Global Focus Films: HOME
Letters of Support
UPDATE! Ms. Thurman's tenure at the White House ended in Jan. 2001. In Feb. she launched the AIDS International Trust to continue her efforts to confront AIDS in Africa and the U.S. She also serves on Global Focus Films' Board of Directors.
Ms. Thurman has long been an advocate of people living with HIV/AIDS both nationally and globally. She brought the issue of AIDS in Africa to the attention of Global Focus Films in 1997 and has been an invaluable resource as an advisor, mentor, liaison and volunteer consultant on how best to bridge the gap between the public and private sectors. Ms. Thurman was recently appointed U.S. envoy to Africa on AIDS-related issues.
Sandra L. Thurman
Director, Office of Nat. AIDS Policy
The White House 1997-01
"(Executive Producer) Kellie Gibbs is seeking to provide a perspective on how the AIDS epidemic is impacting on South Africa, to make a comparison of the epidemic there and in the United States, and to articulate how lessons learned in both countries can be brought to bear on the global pandemic.
Having visited that region several times, I know too well the incredible human suffering that AIDS is wreaking. Kellie has the talent, the compassion, and the insight to present this tragedy in a way that will engender the kind of awareness that has heretofore not existed. Please join in support of this project and in a journalist who has truly made a difference in the AIDS pandemic."
Sincerely,
Sandra L. Thurman
"Executive Producer Kellie Gibbs has covered stories on community responses to HIV/AIDS for some time in Denver. She has the ability to bring our community's efforts to the forefront of HIV/AIDS prevention and education in a clear and concise manner. Her effort has the potential to affect and educate communities which are only now beginning to respond to this pandemic. As Mayor of the City and County of Denver, I applaud her efforts and urge you to support this project."
Sincerely,
Wellington E. Webb, Mayor
Africare helps Africa with programs in food, water, the environment, health and emergency humanitarian aid as well as private-sector development and governance. Honorary Chairman, Nelson R. Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa
"As President of Africare, I am writing to support Ms. Gibbs in her effort to make a social documentary to help educate the people of South Africa and the USA about AIDS. With infection rates in South Africa reaching 30% in some areas, the need for an educational documentary is tremendous. Creating dialogue about prevention, healing and treatment is one of the strongest means of slowing the spread of HIV infection. I commend this project and encourage you to support her efforts to bring it to fruition."
Sincerely,
C. Payne Lucas, President, AFRICARE
"Kellie has repeatedly demonstrated her compassion toward the AIDS epidemic. She has written numerous articles covering the many aspects of HIV disease. Each one has further exhibited her excellence in journalism. I feel confident that Kellie's sensitivity to AIDS issues will be proven in this documentary. Her track record speaks for itself here in Denver and I have no doubt that she will display the same level of professionalism working in South Africa.
Sincerely,
Terry Stewart, (former) Director of Education, Colorado AIDS Project