The Hindu : Short film on AIDS victims released

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 16, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Short film on AIDS victims released

By Our Staff Reporter

NIZAMABAD, MARCH 15. For six persons affected by Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the urge to lead a normal life through proper care has been highlighted in a 60-minute short film `Chigurinchina Asha' in Telugu on HIV/AIDS, produced by Samskar Plan, a Nizamabad-based Non-Government Organisation (NGO).

The District Medical and Health Officer, Krishna Rao, released the short film at a function organised by the NGO at Nizamabad on Sunday night. The short film was screened for a select audience comprising NGOs, health officials, youth groups and the media. The short film anchored by noted sexologist, G.Samaram, gives insight into the sufferings of the victims and their aspirations and hope to lead normal life. During the one-hour interaction with the patients, Dr. Samaram makes an attempt to give them the much-needed confidence that they could lead a normal life by taking proper care.

The film has been directed by award-winning photographer, Tamma Srinivas Reddy, and produced by Samskar Plan Project Director K.H.S.S. Sundar. Samskar chairman Lavanam and secretary, Hemalata Lavanam, were present. The film, shot in an interview format, explains the plight of patients and the reaction of the family members on knowing about the dreaded disease. Curiously enough, six patients, including women, men and children affected by AIDS have come out openly to narrate their lives on screen.

Dr. Samaram utilises the opportunity to clear several misconceptions about the dreaded ailment and gives useful tips to the people on how to avoid the risk of contracting AIDS. The message given to the AIDS patients is that there is still hope for them and they should not be unduly worried about their lives. The short film covers the social, moral and health aspects of the killer disease.

The Samskar Plan Project Director, Dr. Sundar, speaking to The Hindu, said the short film produced by the NGO in the last seven years had touched upon specific issues. `Chigurinchina Asha' is a positive film, which gives confidence to AIDS patients, who are living under the fear of death, he said, adding that the counselling, therapeutic and preventive aspects covered in the film would give a boost to the victims.

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