Zoe Saldana Joins Forces With Sia And Julianne Moore To Fight For An End To HIV

Music artist Sia assembled an entertainment powerhouse for her latest project, a new song and music video intended to raise awareness about the HIV virus. The video was released with the hope that wider knowledge will bring the world closer to solving the epidemic. Joining Sia is veteran actor Julianne Moore as a narrator in the “Free Me” music video, lending her recognizable sound to the powerful music and the thought-provoking imagery acted out by Zoe Saldana. Together, the three women make “Free Me” an appeal to generations, urging millions to send the #endHIV hashtag viral.

Zoe Saldana Breathes Life Into Sia’s Story Of Hope

Variety reports that Zoe Saldana and Julianne Moore are just a few of the celebrities partnering with the #endHIV campaign, though their participation in “Free Me” may make a significantly larger impact than the donations already raised. As the new Sia music video opens, Zoe plays a young woman named Kai, and as Ms. Moore reveals in her narration, the character is just learning that she is HIV positive. The diagnosis is especially upsetting, because, as Julianne adds in her monologue, Kai is also pregnant.

Though there are no words spoken by Saldana, the actress uses facial expressions and body movements to express the pain and grief this news incites. Zoe moves beyond the medical office, which is the only illuminated area in an otherwise black world, and soon becomes the central figure in a dance, featuring a troupe of professional dancers supplied by Sia.

As is usually the case in a Sia music video, an interpretive dance follows, as Sia’s lyrics replace the narration provided by Julianne Moore.

“Oh free me from this shame I’ve been running from, I’m lost and I am calling you,” resounds part of the chorus from Sia’s new song.

“Free Me” draws closer to an end when Zoe Saldana and Sia share an embrace with each smiling at the other, suggesting there is yet hope for Kai. The last moments show Kai and her baby happily bonding together, as the video fades to black and Julianne Moore again narrates the words seen on the screen.

“HIV/AIDS is the no. 1 killer of women of reproductive age worldwide,” reads Moore.

“Free Me” Seeks Support For A New HIV Vaccine

According to W Magazine, all proceeds from the Sia video will go toward funding a new e-vaccine from the Abzyme Research Foundation. The organization has launched the new #endHIV campaign to help raise awareness about the virus and about their potential treatment. As indicated in the music video, the e-vaccine may reduce the risk of expectant mothers in passing the HIV virus on to their unborn babies.

Through the #endHIV campaign, Abzyme hopes to get the funding and the FDA approval to move forward with human trials.

“The HIV/AIDS epidemic is one that can affect anyone,” said Sia in a statement. “I’ve proudly joined forces with the Abzyme Research Foundation and the #endHIV Campaign for the release of my song, ‘Free Me,’ to help raise funds and awareness for a potential breakthrough cure of the epidemic.”

Zach Barnett, the executive director at Abzyme Research Foundation, says the organization is grateful to Sia for donating “Free Me” and says the video by Zoe Saldana and Julianne Moore will be the focal point of their fundraising campaign.

At this point Abzyme has raised just half of its $1 million goal.

The recent media frenzy over Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, which stars Zoe Saldana as Gamora, may help to springboard #endHIV donations, considering the attention the actress has received on press tours for the film.

Zoe Saldana is married to Marco Perego and the couple have three sons, 2-year-old twins Cy Aridio Perego-Saldana and Bowie Ezio Perego-Saldana, and 5-month-old Zen Perego-Saldana.

[Featured Image by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images]