Film studies: life story

As a long-running champion of civil rights for African-Americans, writer, music critic and filmmaker Nelson George is understandably upbeat about the future now that Barack Obama is president-elect. 'There may still be racism and economic discrimination against people of colour,' he says. 'However, change is possible and [Obama] makes it clear that the opportunity is there. If you prepare yourself ... you can achieve anything. It's a very inspiring time to be in this country and to be black.'

Having witnessed the long struggle of his community and the injustices being meted out against them, George (right) says he hopes 'the majority of American society [will] pay closer attention to those who are voiceless'.

Complacency is not something George believes in, and that's why he's determined to bring the problems of Aids within the African-American community to the fore with his feature-film directorial debut, Life Support.

The film revolves around an HIV/Aids activist's efforts to confront her past as she attempts to reconcile with her daughter whom she lost custody of when she was young, because of drug addiction.

The film's protagonist, Ana Wallace, is based on George's sister, who was diagnosed with HIV/Aids in 1992. George, who also wrote the script, started developing the story five years ago after accompanying his sister on community work rounds for a support group formed by people who are HIV positive.

'I saw the transition in her. She went from someone who has the virus to counselling other people. She realised that instead of this disease being a death sentence ... it enabled her to find a voice and a purpose in life,' says George.

Life Support is shot mainly in Brooklyn, where George grew up. At first he was reluctant to make the film because 'it was too close to me', but he felt compelled.