Veteran film maker Art Jones of the Alexandria-based Dream Factory is spearheading development of a documentary exposing the continuing high rate of HIV/AIDS infections among African-Americans in the U.S. Jones’ project is called “13 Percent,” described as “an investigative journey revealing how 13 percent (the African-American population) composes over half of all those infected by the deadly HIV/AIDS virus” in the U.S.

The one-hour film will provide an historical overview of medical and other practices in place to stem its spread. While men having sex with men are 44 times more likely to catch AIDS than heterosexual counterparts, the young aged 13-29 are contracting the virus at an escalating rate and females ages 24-35 (most contracting it through heterosexual contact) are dying from AIDS in greater numbers than any sector of the black community.

Jones’ team has launched a “kick start” fundraising effort seeking public support to bring the project to fruition, and contributions can be made online through 13percentmovie.com.