film documentaries

Roshni

Roshni is a story of a woman who turned her dark life into light (Roshni). Marrying her sweetheart was not the start of a blissful married life- on her wedding day, her husband confi ded to her that he was infected with HIV. In seven months, she became a widow and her fear for stigma and discrimination, isolated her. Grieving over the loss of her husband, her general health deteriorated and she lost her unborn child. She was referred to Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+) when she went to access ART.

In the Network, she saw how she could shine her light on other HIV positive people. Learning more about HIV and AIDS, she realized that sharing her stories strengthened her and helped console those who were in pain. Her message, 'let us eradicate HIV together' helped others share their HIV status, access services and live healthily.

My Story (You and Me)

This film is about a teenager who found happiness after struggling throughout her teenage life. Shangring married at 16 years of age to a drug using husband who was never home. Heavily pregnant with their third child, she felt very lonely so she left her husband.

Not very long after, her husband died and she gave birth to a baby girl who was very sick. Shangring also became very ill and was hospitalized. She became severely depressed not knowing the cause of her illness. Several tests were done but the results were never shared with her. Later, she came to know that she was infected with HIV.

Her struggle to accept her status was supported by the Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+). There she found people who understood and accepted her. She was able to reach out to others and eventually found happiness in her second marriage to a positive person.

Challenge (Shingnaba)

The Challenge is a documentary on Mr. Pradipkumar who became the Mr. Manipur 2007 after he started ART.

The film is a portrayal of an HIV positive person who resurfaced from the depths of self stigma and fear of discrimination from friends and community that led him into isolation. During the time of self isolation, he reflected on his life and found meaning to life and decided not to give up without a fight.

To maintain his health, he went into bodybuilding. He was doing so well in building his body that he was encouraged to compete for the Mr. Manipur title. He took up the challenge, won the title and declared his HIV status, proving that even HIV positive people can achieve success.

Today he continues to inspire the youth though bodybuilding.

Going the Distance

Going the Distance is a film on courage and determination of a fun loving and dynamic girl who got into drug use at a young age and contracted HIV. Nukshinaro narrates her story of how supportive her family was when she told them that she tested HIV Positive; her determination to declare her HIV status so that others who are living with HIV will not feel that they have to suffer alone. Her productive contribution to society tells of a life beyond HIV and is an inspiration for PLHIV and the community.

This story is a testament that HIV does not stop a person from living: they have their fears, wants and desires. It is the determination of the individual and the support they get that can bring about change in their lives.

As the River Flows

In this film, Seyiekuolie shares of his regrets in life and hopes for the future. His story touches the sensitive issues of felt discrimination without really being discriminated against; the need for a life partner and the desire to live life to the fullest.

He talks of his long cherished dream of generating electricity from the water source of the village which will create employment for the villagers.

"As the River Flows" is a story of a man who had choices in his life but still needed motivation to access treatment and how a little care and support can change a sick person to become a productive citizen with a lot of concern for the society.

Know Better & Serve Better

(A film for health care professionals in Nagaland)

Know Better & Serve Better

Know Better and Serve Better highlights the barriers to accessing health care by people living with HIV/AIDS and how these barriers can be addressed.

THE NOSSAL INSTITUTE
FOR GLOBAL HEALTH

The Nossal Institute for Global Health