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KPBS 'Expect A Miracle" Documentary Tells A Story of Love And Loss During A Pandemic

KPBS is premiering “Expect A Miracle: Finding Light in the Darkness of a Pandemic,” a new documentary telling the dual story of the AIDS crisis in San Diego and Fraternity House - the only hospice in North San Diego County that took patients near death to give them a safe place to die with dignity and love. “Expect A Miracle” makes its world premiere on KPBS TV and at video.kpbs.org beginning June 9 at 9:00 p.m.

“I was initially hired to make a short grant video for Fraternity House. I really didn't know what the place was about,” says Jonathan Hammond, director and producer. “When I walked in the front door, it felt like it was like walking into a brick wall in that I was overcome with a mysterious, beautiful, horrifying, unknown emotion. I immediately asked my host what this place was exactly. It was a house where people had to come to die from AIDS. But now it's a place where they come to live. Reflexively, I asked if I can make a documentary about this place, which isn't anyone's normal reaction judging from my host's expression, but she immediately agreed.”

The riveting film centers on a handful of everyday people who became heroes, caring for a marginalized and persecuted population in a time of heightened fear, misinformation and mass rejection from their families, society and the government.

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As scientific advancements progressed, changing the nature of the disease, Fraternity House also changed its general purpose - now giving the same population a place to re-learn how to live. And how to love.

“The fact that a movie about surviving a pandemic is coming out right now is a coincidence - but one we really need. I want to tell this story because we live in dark times and I want to remind people that others found light in the dark. I want to remind people that they can be the light. A lot of people need to know that right now,” says Hammond.

The film is part of KPBS Explore, a local programming initiative to grow the quality and quantity of uniquely local content.

The 30 second trailer can be viewed here

KPBS Media Contact

Heather Milne Barger, (619) 594-4985