October 31, 2007 by Crystal A. Johnson
Actor/director Bill Duke’s film Cover held one of the two coveted spots for closing night film at the close of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Los Angeles. Members of the audience were in awe by the dramatic unfolding of a story which sheds light on the issue of “down low” behavior and the alarming consequences which add up to African American women accounting for up to 70% of all new HIV/Aids cases.
What is “down low”? It is a street term which refers to the secret sexual infidelity on the part of a husband or boyfriend with a man/woman. Usually, the man learns that he has the disease and withholds the truth. Duke implores men to be honest.
The film seeks to save lives with its message. I asked Bill to elaborate on the main message that he hopes to send with his film. He replied emphatically with reference to percentages of Black women contracting AIDS, “For 80% of the women that are infected to be infected by men that know they have the disease something is wrong!” He prefaced the statement with addressing the issue as tragic.
Duke describes the film as a murder mystery yet it is so much more. The film is a masterful blend faith, tolerance and intolerance. It demonstrates the ripple effect of lies, and cautions for safe sex if one knows they are going to cheat. The cast of stars on board for this film project include Oscar winner Lou Gossett Jr, Patti LaBelle, Vivica Fox, Leon, Razaaq Adoti and Aunjanue Ellis. For more information about how to view the film entitled Cover, contact the American Black Film Festival.
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5 comments
Wow Crystal,
Great article and information. I look forward to viewing this film!
Shannon
My daughter is a part of this "crucial message" known as "Cover". Honesty goes so much further than denial and deceit. It is a must see by everyone.
Here are some pics of the film
http://www.blackfilm.com/20080125/features/cover.shtml
I saw this film...and it was GREAT...everyone will be very shocked...its not ur typical story...loved it...loved the commentary after the movie...Bill Duke is wonderful and so is everyone in the cast!!
support this film....
I saw this movie this weekend and it was excellent. I have put it on my "must see" list and sent the information to all of my friends...I have always been a fan of Bill Duke's and it has been heightened with the viewing of this film. Go Bill and congratulations on yet another great accomplishment! Well Done and a message that needs to be heard by all!!!!
9 months ago