U.S. Premiere of “5B” during Opening Night of LA Pride

RYOT, a Verizon Media Company, hosted the U.S. premiere of the documentary film “5B” during the Opening Night of LA Pride.

At the peak of the AIDS/HIV epidemic, when people were basically being given a death sentence, a ward on the fifth floor of San Francisco General Hospital was the first in the country with the sole purpose of treating patients who had contracted the disease.

At the start of the crisis, the media and the public didn’t have the proper information or education to understand what was then deemed a ‘gay cancer.’ However, the nurses and caregivers of ward 5B decided to go above and beyond to give patients a safe haven for treatment and a place to die with dignity, love and compassion.

The documentary film “5B” is about hope and recognizing these unsung heroes. The film blends archived footage and first hand accounts from the staff, patients and activists into a compelling narrative that will leave you simultaneously full of tears and hope.

The film first debuted at Cannes to a standing ovation and celebrity support from Julianne Moore, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and more. Its U.S. Premiere was timed to the kick-off of Los Angeles Pride. “5B” supporter Halle Berry made a splash on the red carpet as she posed side by side with nurse Alison Moed. Actress Jaime King was also there to lend her support and walked the carpet with nurse Cliff Morrison.

Co-director Dan Krauss and additional documentary participants in attendance included Mary Asbury, Harry Breaux, David Denmark, George Kelly, Hank Plante, Rita Rockett, Guy Vandenberg and Steve Williams.

Michael Sneed, Executive Vice President: Global Corporate Affairs & Chief Communication Officer, was also on hand representing sponsor Johnson & Johnson and Verizon Media CEO, Guru Gowrappan, gave an emotional speech thanking the nurses, caregivers and everyone involved in the creation of Ward 5B before the film screened to a packed audience.

Additional attendees included “Glee” star, Kevin McHale; “Listing Impossible” star and Commissioner of West Hollywood, Yawar Charlie; “Hamilton” star, Javier Muñoz; “Vanderpump Rules” star, Billie Lee, and more.

“5B” is presented by RYOT, a Verizon Media Company and releases nationwide this Friday, June 14th.