Wilhemina’s WarIn her new documentary, Emmy-winning director June Cross tells a moving story of an African American woman from the South, a region is commonly thought of as being the most socially and culturally backward in the US. The titular Wilhelmina worked on farms in South Carolina since she was a kid, but now is primarily taking care of her 15-year-old HIV-positive granddaughter, Dayshal. The girl was born with the virus and her mother has struggled with drug addiction for many years and is unable to care for her. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina not only devotes her time to her sick husband and Dayshal, but has become one of the most vocal HIV/AIDS activists in the South, fighting for education about HIV/AIDS, organizing rallies and meetings and speaking out in the media. Cross’movie is fueled by rage resulting from changing attitudes toward issues around HIV/AIDS by the American government and society. But the virus, especially in the South, is the most common cause of death among young black women. Using archival footage, animation and scenes from the everyday life of an African-American family, Wilhemina’s War serves as a tribute to its protagonist and her strength of character.