THE HEART OF THE MATTER is the first film to look at AIDS as a women's issue. This provocative documentary focuses on the story of Janice Jirau, an HIV-positive African-American woman, as she reveals why she was at high risk and what she did when she discovered she'd been infected. A chorus of other HIV-positive women underscores the universal nature of the problems Janice confronted and draws attention to the alarming growth of the epidemic among women.

The filmmakers' perception that exploring larger issues surrounding women's sexuality were at the heart of understanding women's risk for HIV gives the film its unusual point of view. THE HEART OF THE MATTER is relevant to the diverse constituencies affected by the epidemic - HIV positive women, their families, communities and churches; care providers needing educational tools; and educators, women's groups, community leaders and policy makers working to affect change. Long overdue, THE HEART OF THE MATTER may help save women's lives.

"The only film to date that deals realistically with the response to the AIDS crisis of the African-American church, one of the most important social institutions in the black community... A catalyst for people to make connections, build coalitions, and engage policy makers."—Catherine Saalfield, The Independent

"The film makers make tasty use of clips from the TV appearances of the Revs. Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. The point: Public scorn and condemnation can score political points, but at the end of the day, they leave people in spiritual need as well as physical pain... a moving tribute to Jirau, and her mission to inform women."—Eric Mink, New York Daily News

"[THE HEART OF THE MATTER] is effective and affecting. Its basic message is simple: education first for those who are not infected. And compassion for those who are. It is an important program."—Washington Post

"Immensely moving... This film of such stunning simplicity will hit you with its raw emotional power."—Jim Bawden, Toronto Star

"Unique and crucial... The film offers a rich collection of women's experiences and voices - African-American, Latina, white, lesbian, straight... a critical contribution to understanding the experiences and needs of women living with HIV infection and AIDS."—B.J. Stiles, President, National Leadership Coalition on AIDS