Measles mission meets the big screen

Amid a sea of interesting films ranging wildly in subject matter, floats Disease of the Wind.

The Magnolia Theater was the spot for the Nov. 21 premiere. This James Keach-directed documentary starring Jane Seymour aims to raise awareness about the measles epidemic in East Africa.

In Africa, more people die each year from measles than from any other curable disease. The Red Cross has implemented a mass immunization plan, which hopes to wipe out the disease by 2005.

Seymour and 10 middle school students embark on a mission to help vaccinate thousands of Kenyans.

The documentary discusses disease control and ways the public can support the Red Cross efforts.

“It’s not exactly your typical Friday-night-date movie,” said Kalen Keach, Disease of the Wind assistant photographer.

This is an engaging and enlightening film that everyone can appreciate. The footage of Kenya is laced with the beauty of an exotic place and the poverty of a struggling people; it is no wonder this astounding film won “Best Documentary” at the Deep Ellum Film Festival.

Check local listings for the television premiere of Disease of the Wind.