Feature Documentary · 2014
Someone You LoveThe HPV Epidemic
Five women. One virus. A story that needed to be told.
Narrated by Vanessa Williams
The Film
Eighty percent of people under fifty will contract a strain of HPV at some point in their lives. Cervical cancer — largely preventable — remains the second leading cancer killer of women worldwide. Over 250,000 women die from it every year.
This is the story of five of them.
Kelly Pozzoli, 1982–2014
“I want people to benefit from all the crap I had to go through. I don’t want anyone else to ever have to do this.”
Kelly was 31 years old when the film began following her story. Over two years — from diagnosis through treatment — the cameras stayed with her. She died on World Cancer Day, February 4, 2014, one month before the film was released. Her words remain the reason this film exists.
Five Stories
Kelly Pozzoli
Followed for two years from diagnosis until her death on World Cancer Day, 2014. Age 31.
Susie
Cervical cancer survivor. Upon learning her cancer resulted from HPV, her husband told her: “I wish the cancer would have killed you.”
Tamika
Survivor navigating the stigma and shame that too often accompanies an HPV diagnosis.
Christine
Survivor navigating the stigma and shame that too often accompanies an HPV diagnosis.
The Forbes Family
Grieving the loss of their daughter Kristen — and determined that her story be heard.
The Scale
80%
of people under 50 will contract an HPV strain at some point
#2
leading cancer killer of women globally
250K
women die from cervical cancer every year worldwide
Recognition
Power of Film Award
Beloit International Film Festival
Best of Fest
North Hollywood CineFest
Nominated, Best Documentary
Carmel International Film Festival
What They’re Saying
“The best film on this subject. A perfect mix of pathos, science, and medicine with a clear call to action.”
CME & Education
The film qualifies for Continuing Medical Education credit at accredited institutions nationwide.
Indiana University School of Medicine
Jointly provided with Indiana Immunization Coalition
- 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
- 1.5 CE credit hours (Pharmacists)
- 1.91 Nursing Contact Hours
Learning objectives: identify HPV’s link to cancers in males and females; recognize vaccine safety and efficacy; explain physical and emotional impact on patients and families.
Des Moines University — College of Osteopathic Medicine
Iowa Medical Society & Iowa Board of Nursing accredited
- 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
- 2.5 AOA Category 1-A Credits
- 2.5 Nursing Contact Hours
- 2.5 NASW CEUs & CMA CUEs
The film continues to be screened by health departments, clinics, medical schools, advocates, and public health organizations across the country.
Press
High-resolution stills, poster, and press materials are available for editorial and promotional use.
Credits
- Directed by
- Frederic Lumiere
- Narrated by
- Vanessa Williams
- Website
- hpvepidemic.com
A Lumiere Media Production