Yesterday is the first film to be supported by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and is South Africa's Official Entry for 2004 Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Picture category.
Bachchan is widely known for his activism against HIV / AIDS in India, however, his global profile would add a new dimension to the 46664 campaign with exposure in additional communities around the world. Bachchan has already had discussions with the Nelson Mandela Foundation on the critical issue of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa and India and will be endorsing anti-AIDS campaigns in both countries.
Bachcan's appointment is the latest in 46664 Ambassador programme and joins other individuals such as Brad Pitt, President Bill Clinton, Will Smith and Oprah Winfrey, to support Mandela to raise awareness of the fight to stop HIV/AIDS and funds for the Nelson Mandela Foundation, to help those infected and affected by the pandemic in South Africa.
Commenting on the appointment of Mr Bachchan, Mandela said: "We are pleased to announce that Amitabh Bachchan has agreed to serve as a Special Ambassador for this global HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. The Nelson Mandela Foundation and I are convinced that his message will reach those most at risk of HIV. But it is not only the message that will reach the young and the old - his ability to inspire us will encourage South African and people globally to stay HIV negative." Mandela concluded stressing that: "By working together, we can stem the tide of HIV/AIDS and ensure that those who are affected have access to counselling, care and support and treatment."
Inspired by the vision & leadership of Mandela, 46664 aims to raise awareness of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, as well as funds, to help the Nelson Mandela Foundation to initiate, develop and support practical programmes for the prevention, testing, care and support for those infected and affected by HIV / AIDS in South Africa.
HBO Films will release Yesterday in North America and is also handling the worldwide distribution of the film.
