December 1st 2023.
Hulu has released a new documentary, Unexpected, in recognition of World AIDS Day. This powerful film is produced by the well-known actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and shines a light on Black women living with HIV in the South. The documentary follows the journeys of activists Masonia Traylor and Ciarra 'Ci Ci' Covin, who are creating an underground network to support other women in the rural South who have been diagnosed with HIV.
The film is described as "a story of hope, perseverance, and the power of a shared connection," and it brings attention to the virus that has attacked the immune systems of numerous women around the country. Unexpected also explores why Black women are “disproportionately affected by the disease.”
A trailer released on the documentary's official Instagram page shared that systemic racism is the root of why Black women are 14 times more likely to acquire HIV compared to white women. Ahead of the film's screening at the Essence Film Festival on June 30th, Sheryl Lee Ralph shared on Instagram that this film is very important to her, as it relates to the work she does with the DIVA Foundation. The DIVA Foundation is a national organization launched by Ralph, dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing resources to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS.
The film has been well-received, as it has won an Award of Excellence at The Accolade Global Film Competition, a Silver Winner at the Telly Awards, and it has been qualified for an Oscar. Unexpected has also screened at various film festivals, including SCAD Savannah Film Festival, DC Black Film Festival, Black Women Film Network, Detroit Black Film Festival, The Women’s Film Festival, and Cleveland Film Festival.
Unexpected is now available to stream on Hulu, and Sheryl Lee Ralph encourages viewers to watch the film and learn more about her organization, The DIVA Foundation.
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