To mark World AIDS Day on Tuesday December 1st the WA AIDS Council are presenting a public screening of the documentary ‘It’s Not Over’.
The film, which was produced by award winning filmmaker Andrew Jenks, explores the lives of three millennials from around the world who are living with, or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Prior to the release of ‘It’s Not Over’ last year Jenks said that one of his motivations for creating the film was the lack of discussion about the virus among younger people.
“Not very often do you get a challenge to make a movie that a lot of people would say is focused on a topic that is stale and that people really aren’t talking about,” said Jenks in an interview with Indiewire before the world premiere screening of his film in 2014.
“AIDS is still such a global problem and epidemic I feel like my generation isn’t talking much about and clearly should be.” Jenks said.
While the recent disclosure by high profile actor Charlie Sheen has brought HIV/AIDS back into the news recently WA AIDS Council CEO Andrew Burry has been disappointed by some of the media coverage noting that some media agencies had misused terminology and made incorrect statements.
Despite the WA AIDS Council publicly reminding journalists in most Western Australian media outlets to refer to the guidelines on ethical reporting on HIV/AIDS, not all outlets complied.
“We encourage the conversation around HIV/AIDS given it is a taboo topic for some. Let’s continue to talk, however, get to know the facts. We urge people to make the most of World AIDS Day this year. Learn more about living with HIV. This movie screening is a good place to start.” Mr Burry lamented.
WA AIDS Council Fundraising, Events and Media Coordinator said the aim of the public screening was to raise more awareness about HIV/AIDS in the local community.
“The aim of the event is to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS within the community. We encourage people to come along to gain insight about what HIV/AIDS means in 2015” Mr Reid said.
Three decades after the virus was first recognised HIV continues to be a major health challenge with over 2 million new cases recorded in 2014. The 2015 World AIDS Day will focus on Getting to Zero: Zero new infections; Zero AIDS related deaths; and specifically zero discrimination.
‘It’s Not Over’ will screen at the Northbridge Piazza at 6:30pm on Tuesday December 1st. The event is free.
