World Aids Day Event

World Aids Day Event Showtime Supports Viacom Know HIV/AIDS Initiative with Two Powerful Films to Air on World AIDS Day December 1st WHAT: On December 1st beginning at 7 p.m. with "My Life In Verse" and continuing at 10 p.m. with "It's My Party" Showtime Networks will recognize World AIDS Day and support the ongoing VIACOM KNOW HIV/AIDS Initiative with these two compelling films about living with AIDS and HIV. WHEN: 7 P.M: MY LIFE IN VERSE (2004) - In this original short film, first-time filmmaker Marnee Meyer takes a behind-the- scenes look at a pioneering poetry program for people living with HIV/AIDS. The writing workshop is sponsored by the AIDS Service Center NYC and led by award-winning poet Gerry Gomez Pearlberg. It encourages a diverse group of men and women, many of whom had never written poetry before, to find their creative voices and their self-esteem while battling their disease. "My Life in Verse" confirms that artistic expression is an essential component of healing and surviving. The film, which was produced by AIDS Service Center NYC with help from Cable Positive, culminates in a triumphant public poetry reading. It will air throughout the month. Check local listings. 10:00 P.M. IT'S MY PARTY - Nominated for a Glaad Media Award for Outstanding Film, "It's My Party" follows successful L.A. architect Nick Stark (Eric Roberts) who is dying of AIDS. He chooses to throw himself a wild weekend farewell party before committing suicide via drug overdose in this comedy-drama about death with dignity. The film co- stars Gregory Harrison, Margaret Cho, Bruce Davison, Lee Grant, Devon Gummersall, Marlee Matlin, Roddy McDowall, Olivia Newton-John, Bronson Pinchot, George Segal, Christopher Atkins, Ron Glass, Sally Kellerman and Olympic Gold medalist Greg Louganis. BACKGROUND: "KNOW HIV/AIDS" combines the power of Viacom's media brands and unmatched audience relationships with the public health expertise of the Kaiser Family Foundation to foster awareness of the disease and its prevention. Every Viacom division is involved in the campaign, and 80 rights-free messages have aired to date, totaling more than $380 million in media value. Additionally, Viacom has produced 27 television shows on the topic seen by millions worldwide. AIDS Service Center NYC (ASC) provides an array of services that helps individuals and families to survive and thrive in the face of HIV/AIDS. CONTACT: Brooks Jewell Showtime PR 212-708-1380 brooks.jewell@showtime.net PRNewswire -- Nov. 22 Source: Showtime Web site: http://www.sho.com/ ------- Profile: International Entertainment