The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation has released a new video in honor of its late founder.
The nonprofit group, which to date has provided $15 million to over 650 HIV and AIDS organizations, marked World AIDS Day with a moving tribute to the legacy of Elizabeth Taylor.
Narrated by Colin Farrell, a friend of Taylor’s, and directed by Adam Shankman, the video shows the indelible impact of the violet-eyed actress, who was one of the first prominent public figures to talk about HIV in an era when few would discuss it.
“This project shines a bright light on Elizabeth’s fearless and tireless commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and it is an honor to be a part of it. The threat of HIV is ever-present — even with the great advancements in research and treatment, there is an enormous amount of work to be done in order to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030, which is the U.N.’s new fast-track goal,” Farrell says. “Elizabeth was a visionary in many ways, and she set up the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation to care for the most marginalized people affected by HIV/AIDS until a cure is discovered.”
Taylor also cofounded amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, and was indispensible in the passage of the Ryan White CARE Act, which created the largest federally funded HIV program. The video honors this legacy while urging viewers to continue the fight against HIV and AIDS. Worldwide, there are over 35 million people living with the virus, and there are over 6,000 new infections everyday.
“By donating to ETAF, we can keep her vision alive,” Farrell continues. “When Elizabeth Taylor accepted an honorary Oscar in 1992 for her work in HIV/AIDS causes, she implored us to be ‘a human race’ and care for those who need our help. It’s 20 years later and that plea still stands.”
“You do your bit with all of your heart, and I do my bit with all of my heart,” Taylor once stated. “And we will make a goddamn difference.
Watch the video, which includes music donated by Katy Perry, One Republic, and Coldplay, below. And learn more at ElizabethTaylorAIDSFoundation.org.