ABOUT THE FILM

WINNER: Best Doc Feature, NY AIDS Film Festival
WINNER: Crystal Heart - Heartland Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION: Westwood International Film Festival

(Airing on Showtime television throughout 2007 & 2008.)

The UN has declared the small African kingdom of Swaziland to be the world’s most HIV-infected nation with nearly 40% of its adult population carrying the virus. Experts say that within 50 years the Swazi people may become extinct unless profound change is realized.

Shortly after the official declaration, Lance and Kelly, two Texas college students with high ideals, great hopes, and a bit of naiveté embark on a most unconventional AIDS prevention program to Swaziland high schools. Dear Francis puts a face to the AIDS pandemic as it chronicles the personal stories of two strangers and the Swazis they befriend. Through these relationships, they discover that the causes of this plague are much more disturbing and complex than they could have ever imagined.

As Chronicle Project tracks these personal journeys, they intersperse the story with interviews of local and international officials working the frontlines of the pandemic. Their insights and commentaries are some of the most enlightening and heart-wrenching interviews on the AIDS crisis to ever reach the screen.

Filled with touching personal encounters and unsettling glimpses into contemporary African life, Dear Francis confronts audiences with the stark reality of the AIDS pandemic. Through this unique story, the film highlights the hope of nation’s future against seemingly insurmountable odds... one life at a time.

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Over a year ago, startup production company Chronicle Project began to envision a documentary that would bring the heart of the African AIDS pandemic to mass audiences. Most people know that the AIDS crisis is a problem, but statistics can only do so much to engender true compassion and an effective response. There existed a need for a film that would tell the story of the crisis in a very personal narrative, explaining to the American public why the pandemic is so bad and what can be done about it. Dear Francis was the result of intensive production in South Africa and Swaziland.

Look for it on SHOWTIME Television in 2007 & 2008, or on DVD through our website now.