Queen Latifah has signed on to star in HBO Films' "Life Support," a telefilm that centers on the HIV crisis in the black community.

The actress will also executive-produce the HBO project with Oscar winner Jamie Foxx ("Ray"), Jaime King ("Ray"), Marcus King (WB Network's "The Jamie Foxx Show"), Shakim Compere ("Beauty Shop") and Emmy nominee Shelby Stone (HBO's "Lackawanna Blues").

"Support," based on the life of writer-director Nelson George's sister and their family, is a depiction of the black community's HIV crisis as told through the true story of one survivor -- a mother, former crack addict and current AIDS activist played by Queen Latifah.

Mark Baker is producing the movie, while George (HBO's "The Chris Rock Show") will direct from his own script. Shooting begins next month in New York.

Queen Latifah's recent film credits include "Ice Age: The Meltdown," "Last Holiday," "Beauty Shop" and "Taxi." She was nominated for a supporting actress Oscar and Golden Globe in 2003 for her role in "Chicago."

Her upcoming film credits include Columbia Pictures' "Stranger Than Fiction," opposite Will Ferrell and Dustin Hoffman.