This film was produced as part of the Rock the Ribbon campaign – run by the National AIDS trust in 2018, to generate awareness of HIV and challenge ingrained stigma.

Although HIV has come a long way, fear and stigma remain, making every day a challenge for those living with the virus. Even the iconic red ribbon, supposedly an international symbol of hope, has been subjected to the same stigma (1 in 5 refused to wear it).

Learning from behavioural psychology, the campaign sought to change attitudes to HIV by first changing behaviour towards the ribbon.

By repositioning the ribbon as a symbol of joy and defiance, this film was the springboard for the campaign. Sherrie Silver was the perfect protagonist: a long-term supporter of the cause whose incredible talent would encourage others to mimic her, and rock the ribbon themselves, in their own unique way.

In this film we see our heroine, Sherrie Silver (choreographer of Childish Gambino’s ‘This is America’) bringing the Rock the Ribbon campaign to life; passionately, confidently and joyfully performing her Afrobeat dance style with a distinctive red rhythmic gymnastics ribbon – representative of the iconic emblem for AIDs awareness.

Set in a deserted performance hall, Sherrie commands the space. As the pace builds of Erasure’s most iconic track, we see Sherrie grow with confidence and glide across the floor, propelled by a fire extinguisher, as an oblivious security guard looks on.

She completes the routine on stage and exits the gym with conviction, accompanied by the avuncular voice of Stephen Fry delivering a clear message to the viewer.