More than 33.3 million people are currently living with HIV in the world. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. World AIDS Day is observed December 1st every year and is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Government and health officials observe the day, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. .
The film “Inside Story: The Science of HIV/AIDS” opened in Johannesburg, South Africa for 2011 World AIDS Day. This film is aimed at educating millions across sub-Saharan Africa through the story of Kalu, a gifted soccer player who unknowingly contracts HIV. Inside Story takes us into Kalu’s personal journey and into his body through realistic CGI animations that will bring audiences face to face with the virus – from the moment of infection to treatment with anti-retroviral medications. The film is directed by Rolie Nikiwe, it should appeal to a broad audience by its use of a creative mix of live action and animation. Producer Harriet Gavshon, hopes this technique will help the movie travel across the continent to the poorest and hardest hit areas by the disease. The producers are also hopeful that the popularity of a soccer theme will also draw Africans to see the film.
Although the film is meant to appeal to persons of all ages its main purpose is to bring about dialogue. Ms. Gavshon, believes that the “toxic combination” of death and sex still makes it difficult for Africans to discuss AIDS. “You have to constantly find new ways of trying to talk about it,” she said.
This problem has been confounded in South Africa by years of misinformation from president, Thabo Mbeki, and other government officials who questioned the link between HIV and AIDS, and even their former health minister, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, who promoted a “treatment” of beets, lemon and garlic to cure the disease.
The 90-minute film is aimed at viewers from pre-teens and older, is a co-production of Johannesburg’s Curious Pictures and an international development program sponsored by the U.S. reality and educational TV company Discovery. Aric Noboa, president of Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership, said they hope to broadcast the film in multiple countries and distribute DVDS, along with booklets to help guide community leaders in conducting post-film discussions.
The Thursday, December 1, 2011, premiere was held at Johannesburg multiplex theaters. It will be followed by a United States debut in January in Washington D.C. and one in Nigeria later next year. It took five years and $2 million – raised from the United States, the United Nations Aids agency, South African governments and other donors – to put together the film “Inside Story.” It’s meant to be showed throughout Africa as well as on an international market and the film is beautifully made with vivid images and produced well. It’s a refreshing contrast to most African made movies.
According to the most recent U.N. report released on the eve of World AIDS Day, funding for HIV programs dropped from $15.9 billion in 2009 to $15 billion in 2010, well below the estimated $22 billion to $24 billion the U.N. says is needed in 2015 for a comprehensive global response. The report cited the global economic crisis and concerns about the sustainability of the AIDS response, given the increasing costs of treatment and prevention.