A proposal for a Filim on AIDS related issues

[Guest guest]

Hello and Greetings.

My name is Ramchandra. I am a film maker by profession and am based in Mumbai

for the last twelve years.

This posting is regarding a project of mine which deals with the issue of

HIV-AIDS, a topic that the members of this list are well acquainted with. The

project includes the making of an ultra-low cost ninety minute feature film on

the digital video format on the issue and screening it extensively in and around

Mumbai (may be even outside) with the support of like minded individuals and

organizations around the 1st of December (World's AIDS Day).

The film will be dealing with the issue of stigma that is associated with the

people affected by the virus. It will show that this stigma is a direct result

of the ignorance that is prevalent about this issue. Till such time this

ignorance is conquered, there will be only one victor - the Virus itself. The

intention of this film is to communicate the impact of this ignorance to a very

large section of the society.

The film will show the life of a spineless character who fixes his divorce with

his unwanted wife by showing her a medical report that falsely states that he is

HIV positive. But after he re-marries with the lady he loves, he finds out that

he is actually infected by the virus. He undergoes a series of traumatized

experiences that leaves him a transformed man. Helping people affected by this

virus becomes his goal. Soon the virus takes its toll. He dies, but not before

making sure that there is someone to take care of the cause that he has

generated - a cause that forcefully and powerfully pleads for compassion and

support towards those affected.

Audio-visual is a powerful medium through which one can communicate to the

various communities about the HIV-AIDS issue and can have a maximum impact on

it. At present, there is a shortage of films and videos that provides both

information and education on this issue. Those that are there are more in a " do

this " and " don't do this " format. While one is not negating the impact that such

films have on the community, one is also forcefully pleading for a format which

not only gives the basic information on the HIV-AIDS issue, but also leaves the

community touched, moved and inspired.

Impacting a very large section of the society about the HIV-AIDS issue is the

need of the hour and " info-entertainment " is the mantra. The opportunity is to

reach a very large segment of our population with a popular media format. The

exhibition of this film preceding the interactive meetings that your

organization conducts would pave way for a deeper understanding on the HIV-AIDS

issue among the targeted community.

I am writing to you with a request that you participate in this project in which

ever way you can and that which is possible for you to do. The areas of

participation may be in the making of this ultra-low cost film, or in its

exhibition on the 1st of December or in giving me information about recourse

persons and organizations that can support this project or in just spreading the

world that such an attempt is being made.

Please let me know if you are interested.

Thanking you

Ramchandra, Mumbai

This link will give you an idea of the kind of work I have done previously.

http://entertainment.vsnl.com/sonk

E-mail: <sonk@...>

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