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TIFTON – The late Congressman John Lewis once said, “We may not have chosen the time but the time has chosen us.”

“The need and time for creative engagement around public health is paramount and Out of Hand Theater, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control Foundation, is using art to bring communities and families together to overcome vaccine hesitancy,” organizers said in a statement.

The multidisciplinary team created a cinematic narrative and educational film based on interviews and insights that explored residents concerns related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

From 1-4 p.m. Thursday June 30, Out of Hand Theater hosts an event at the Tift County Recreation Department, 401 Victory Drive, organizers said.

The event features free food, games and activities, a live comedy performance by the award-winning improv theatre company, Dad’s Garage of Atlanta and the film “Comfort,” written by Amina S. McIntyre and starring Rob Cleveland (Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns,” “Drumline”) and Cynthia D. Barker (Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne,” “The Game”).

“Comfort” follows a middle-class school teacher who faces her own insecurities and her family’s individual trials and tribulations when bringing them all together for their first gathering since the start of the pandemic.

“In a heartfelt comedy, influenced by ABC Television’s ‘Black-ish,’ viewers will empathize with the family as they face concerns reflected in our society today,” organizers said.

The film is followed by an educational video that will dispel myths about the COVID-19 vaccines and provide accurate, relevant and human-centered information about COVID-19.

Out of Hand collaborated with professionals from the Georgia Department of Public Health, Tift County, Tifton City, as well as health and faith leaders in Tift County to facilitate the event.

Vaccines will be available and provided by Community Organized Relief Effort.

“Through their chosen art forms, these organizations will be able to create accessible and inspiring work that communicates essential health information about the safety and importance of vaccination in protecting communities from COVID-19 and influenza,” said Dr. Judy Monroe, M.D., president and CEO of the CDC Foundation.

More information: Visit www.ourtimeovercovid.com.