The feature-length film was written, produced and narrated by Madonna and consults experts including President Bill Clinton and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

But the film's real power is its images, which are often dismaying but, here and there, reflect hope and a remarkable will to survive. "I had many goals," said Madonna during a phone conversation from her Manhattan home a few days ago. "I did get to a point where I thought, 'I'm being overambitious, I'm trying to say too much, I'll never accomplish it.' But I feel proud of the fact that I did get to make all my points.' " Among her points: an insistence that any crisis comes with solutions, however hard-won and piecemeal. The film offers its audience a menu of constructive responses.

Last update: 12-01-2008 14:05