2004 Rap-it-Up Black AIDS Short Subject Film competition winner Walking on Sunshine, written and directed by first-time filmmaker Tracy Taylor, 28, of Los Angeles, has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award.
The film was part of the first time Rap-It-Up Black AIDS Short Subject Film Competition sponsored by the Black AIDS Institute, Black Entertainment Television ( BET ) and Kaiser Family Foundation to raise awareness about the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Black communities and motivate members of the community to take action to stop further spread of the disease.
Screenwriters were encouraged to use their creativity to evoke a 'fresh' and culturally unique angle on these issues in a way that would resonate with their community.
'We're thrilled that the NAACP has nominated 'Walking on Sunshine,'' said Phill Wilson executive director of the Black AIDS Institute. 'Given the disproportionate burden the HIV/AIDS pandemic places on Black women, it is only fitting for the NAACP to acknowledge the importance of this film about Black women and AIDS.'
Walking on Sunshine depicts two sisters who put themselves at risk for contracting HIV in different ways. The film premiered on BET in December for World AIDS Day.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a screening and discussion should contact the Black AIDS Institute at ( 213 ) 353-3620 or info@BlackAIDS.org .
The 36th NAACP Image Awards will tape March 19 and broadcast March 25 on FOX.
