The Spirit of Africa

A film premiere, starring BBC comedian Tim Vine was held in Wythenshawe by an HIV/Aids charity to capture the imagination of Greater Manchester.

 

The free event was held at the Head Office of The Message Trust in Sharston.

 

Altrincham charity Act4Africa is showcasing a string of mini-films to encourage local support in its pledge to deliver HIV/Aids education to one million Africans by 1st December 2008.   

 

The poignant and moving films, which feature Tim Vine from BBC sitcom ‘Not Going Out’,  traces the work of the local African teams who are funded by the Manchester based charity and documents how their work is changing the lives of some of Africa’s 12 million Aids orphans.

 

The charity is now recruiting volunteers for its annual expeditions, and hopes the innovative event will particularly appeal to volunteers who have a thirst for adventure and a desire to make a real difference to the people of Africa.

 

“It can be difficult for people to engage with the problems others face when they are thousands of miles away but these films bring the spirit of Africa to the hearts of people in Manchester,” said Lesley-Ann Newman, Act4Africa’s Head of Communications.  

 

The charity, which has been running strong for 8 years, has experienced a downturn in support following the credit crunch and hopes the creative film event will recapture local peoples thirst for adventure and goodwill.