NEW YORK, NY (March 22, 2004) -- On April 14th, SOUL FOOD will recognize the sensitivity and urgency of the HIV/AIDS issue by airing an episode in which Kenny's brother reveals he is HIV positive. In an effort to better inform viewers about the unique challenges faced by African-Americans with AIDS, SHOWTIME will create a wrap-around commentary with SOUL FOOD cast member Vanessa Williams, which will air prior to the episode. The episode "Angelitos Negros," which is part of the Viacom KNOW HIV/AIDS initiative, is written by Salim Akil and directed by Ken Girotti.

 

Maxine (Vanessa Williams) throws husband Kenny (Rockmond Dunbar) a surprise birthday party and his brother, Kelvin played by F. Hill Harper ("City of Angels," "The Handler"), comes to town to join in the festivities. During his visit, Kelvin admits he is HIV positive. As the two brothers struggle to connect and help one another through this difficult time, Kelvin opens up and confides that not only is he afraid he's going to die, but he is also wracked with guilt about the ruined lives of the women he has infected

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SHOWTIME'S SOUL FOOD®, which entered its fifth and final season on Wednesday, February 25, 2004, has the distinction of being the longest-running African-American dramatic series on television and is popular with critics and fans alike. SOUL FOOD is a Waterwalk Production, Edmonds Entertainment and State Street Pictures production in association with Paramount Network Television. Season five of SOUL FOOD is executive produced by Tracey E. Edmonds, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, George Tillman, Jr., Robert Teitel, Salim Akil and Kathleen McGhee-Anderson.

 

KNOW HIV/AIDS is an unprecedented, global media campaign that combats HIV/AIDS through public service messages (PSAs), television and radio programming, and free print and online content. The multi-year effort combines the public health expertise of the Kaiser Family Foundation with the power of Viacom's media brands and unmatched audience relationships to foster awareness of the disease and its prevention. More information about KNOW HIV/AIDS is available through the initiative's comprehensive Web site, www.knowhivaids.org, or toll-free number 1-866-344-KNOW (5669).
 
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom Inc., owns the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL" and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME® TOO", SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE® and TMC xtra. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD®, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND". SNI operates and manages the premium television network SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, which is owned by SNI, Robert Redford and Universal Studios. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME® PPV.   Additionally, the advertiser-supported television network SHOWTIME EXTREME® is available in Spain through a joint venture with Media Park and the advertiser-supported television network SHOWTIME is available in Turkey through a joint venture with UK-based Zone Vision.