Documentarian Louise Hogarth, whose work focuses on prominent social and human rights issues, examines the effects of HIV/AIDS on the population of South Africa in this heart-rending film. Angels follows privileged Marion Cloete, who abandons a comfortable lifestyle to establish a self-contained village and school for hundreds of children orphaned by the disease. Hogarth pays tribute to the good work of charitable organizations, advocacy groups and private individuals, and she makes a plea for worldwide governmental involvement without losing sight of the intimate, interpersonal side of the story.

Shelf Talk: Unfortunately, documentaries of this type are tough to sell in mainstream outlets—casual renters and buyers won’t find the subject suitable for weekend entertainment, to say the least. Angels, however, is something special; it won a Special Jury Prize at this year’s Seattle International Film Festival. Educational and religious institutions as well as savvy, cosmopolitan consumers will likely purchase this one.