Are you negative about positive?

Made by a young cast and crew, the 22-minute film which focuses on the life of a HIV+ve man, will be screened in schools and colleges

A short, experimental film that campaigns for better lives for HIV+ve people will be screened in schools and colleges in the city after January 15.

It is the brainchild of Prahara, a team of artistes who shot the movie to tackle myths about the condition.

u00a0The film, titled Negative about Positive, focuses on the trauma of a HIV patient during the last 22 days of his life. About 30 young technicians and artistes have shot this 22-minute film that is targeted at the youth.

After a special preview at the Suchitra Film Society on January 15, the film will be taken to schools and colleges.

Ravindra, the director of the film, says, "We have made the film to fight against social stigma attached to HIV."

What it's about

The 22-minute film portrays the last 22 days in the life of a young man who tests positive. "HIV victims are treated as untouchables even in this day and age. That has to change and I believe that only the youth can bring about the change."

Shot in Bangalore at a total cost of Rs 80,000, the film has well-known stars from television and the Kannada film industry. Ashwin Ramesh, who has acted in films such as Hubli and Mandakini, plays the lead role of the man who is HIV+ve. Sahanashree, who has acted in a Tulu film called Birse and Kannada TV serials such as Gupta Gamini, plays the female lead.

Strong message

Though the team comprises people who are full-time artistes or technicians, they will make the time to visit schools and colleges on Saturdays to screen the film and spark a discussion among the youth.

They also plan to screen a 12-minute film, titled Nirakruta, on caring for the elderly.