A short film breaking the walls of stigma and discrimination against HIV/AIDS in the Middle East & North Africa

A short film breaking the walls of stigma and discrimination against
HIV/AIDS in the Middle East & North Africa

There are nearly half a million people in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) who are living with HIV… Only 14% have access to treatment… 40% are woman, facing even fiercer discrimination than men. It is time to fight the discrimination and stigma. It is time for CHANGE.

Launching on World Aids Day 2013, CHANGE is a short film that aims to raise HIV/AIDS awareness in the MENA region. Directed by video artist Elie Ballan, the film is a joint initiative between the Regional/Arab Network Against AIDS (RANAA) and MENA Rosa, a group of women living with and affected by HIV in MENA. The film has been sponsored by UNAIDS, International Council of Women and Ford Foundation. For the first time in MENA, a group of people living with HIV (PLHIV) came up with the idea of producing a short movie on stigma and discrimination, and volunteers who strongly believe in the cause participated in the movie.

The film is a metaphorical representation of the MENA mindset against HIV/AIDs. It begins with lead actor Nabil Ghosn waking up in an empty room. The space reflects his spirit, seasoned by hardship. As Nabil exits the cold room, he passes through a ‘stigma point’ and is captured and confined to a cell along with other HIV positive patients. Nabil refuses to accept the mindset of society and fights to escape. 

The film incorporates a new concept initiated by RANAA – a paradigm shift. This reflects a shift in paradigm rather than priority, as RANAA will continue to build the capacities of PLHIV, support their activities and advocate for their rights to live in dignity.  The change is to move away from being marginalized to being agents of change and valuable members of society. It is to redefine HIV/AIDS into Human, Integrated, Valuable, Active, Inspiring, Dignified, Self-confident, in order for PLHIV to view themselves in a positive light. RANAA, through CHANGE, hopes to bring about a transformation in old habits, behavior, and ways of thinking.

HIV/AIDS has a human face. It affects friends, family, sisters and brothers. “To think that people living with HIV are the only ones affected as a result of this epidemic is a misconception. It affects us all.” ElieAaraj – President (RANAA)

The film will be launched worldwide on December 1st 2013. Please visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ChangeDec1 to watch Change.