Creation of 'fear not.' Film

Black Queer filmmakers are courageously creating and presenting untold stories. Decatur, Georgia native John Settles’s latest film, “fear not.,” manifests a safe space for people living with HIV. The film highlights Queer relationships, HIV health, and faith.

To help bring the film to light, Settles received the Learning It Together Artist Cohort Grant of $25,000. The partnership included the Gilead COMPASS Initiative and Faith Coordinating Center at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

The grant supports Southern artists and activists. Recipients created a project or program centering on reducing Queer HIV/AIDS stigma with a faith-based theme.

The Black Wall Street Times interviewed Settles about his latest film, the importance of faith, and what to expect next.

“As of late, with the experiences that ‘fear not.’ has revealed to me, my artistic passions have been centered around using my art to advance messages and causes I care about, otherwise known as artistic activism,” Settles said.