The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73072

Amy Lenita Hill, MA, Concentric Media, PO Box 1414, Menlo Park, CA 94026, 650-321-6530, amylenita@compumentor.org

SEEDS of HOPE: Meeting the Challenges of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia is a series of documentary films weaving together stories about courageous efforts underway to address AIDS. The films explore what individuals and organizations are doing to dismantle the fear and shame associated with AIDS, support those who are living with HIV, and promote prevention. We meet HIV+ activists, family members, neighbors, medical personnel, and humanitarian groups who work side by side to provide care and support behavior change.

Concentric Media's mission with these films is to take viewers beyond stereotypical images of AIDS in Africa. By documenting intimate moments in the lives of families who are caring for HIV+ relatives; orphans being raised by elder siblings or grandparents; sex workers who teach others about safe sex; caregivers who volunteer their time; HIV positive people who are themselves activists - we hope to inspire people in Ethiopia and beyond to act with greater compassion; get involved in AIDS prevention; and take part in the struggle for social justice and human dignity.

In this workshop, participants will view excerpts from the first two films in the series (HIV+ people speak out; and the impact of the epidemic on women); learn about Concentric's collaborative production process, which involves numerous Ethiopian volunteers in Ethiopia and in the Bay Area; find out about efforts underway in Ethiopia to reduce the spread of AIDS; and participate in a discussion about the important role that film can play in raising public awareness about HIV/AIDS and its prevention.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, participants will: (
• Have a greater understanding of the challenges facing those living with HIV/AIDs in Ethiopia, in the midst of a pervasive climate of fear and discrimination; (
• Know what is being done by NGOs and government groups in Ethiopia, to address the stigma against people with AIDS; (
• Understand the complexities of the intersection of gender and AIDS, in particular the relationship between poverty, sex work, violence and HIV/AIDS; (
• Have increased awareness of the power of film in educating individuals and groups about the realities of HIV/AIDS in African and globally.

Related Web page: www.concentricmedia.org/ethiopia

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment