Campaign organization RED has teamed up with HBO Documentary Films to produce The Lazarus Effect.

The 30-minute documentary, directed by Lance Bangs (Jackass 3-D) and executive produced by Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation), records the life-restoring effects of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) on four HIV-positive individuals from Lusaka, Zambia

RED is currently at MIPCOM offering broadcasters the opportunity to air the documentary free of charge on World AIDS Day, Dec 1.

Director Bangs said: “RED, Spike and I went into this film wanting Connie, Bwalya, Concillia and Paul to tell their own stories about their miraculous transformations.  Until ARVs became available, HIV was a death sentence. Now, with the right support, education and funding, people with the virus, who have access to the medication, have a chance to live normal, healthy lives. For us, Bwalya’s story in particular represents the millions of children currently living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, her subsequent death is a sorrowful reminder that AIDS is a killer disease and that the need for early diagnosis and treatment are critical.”

The documentary will be aired by HBO in the US and Channel 4 in the UK on World AIDS Day.

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