Guardian

AS a way of commemorating the World AIDS Day and educating the public of how HIV/AIDS virus enters the human body, Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership and the CEO, Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, in conjunction with Chevron Nigeria Limited recently premiered Inside Story, a docu-drama on HIV/AIDS.

Opening with Kalu reminiscing on his past and sitting before a group of people assumed to be counselors, the gifted footballer, one of the lead characters in the film, recounts how he contacted the virus.

Directed by Rolie Nikiwe, the film follows the inspiring story of Kalu, a young Kenyan footballer, who moves from rural Kenya to urban Johannesburg to follow his dream, play football and make money to support his family. However, before moving to the South Africa, unknown to him, he had contracted the virus from his girlfriend.

Looking fit and strong, he gains a place in a football club and continues his normal life. Things, however, become difficult for him when he falls in love with the coach’s daughter, Ify (Kendra Etufunwa) through whom he finds out that he is HIV-positive.

Filmed in Kenya and South Africa, the film brings together a compelling story of football, love and HIV/AIDS. And with the use of computer-generated imagery, the docu-drama reveals how susceptible humans are to contacting the virus and how the virus gradually destroys human immune system.

Apart from the good storyline, the director places emphasis on sex as a major way of transmitting the virus and fails to mention other means through which this deadly virus can be got. A first-timer coming in contact with the awareness created by this film may conclude that sex is the only known means of contacting HIV/AIDS.

Apart from entertaining viewers, the film highlights that a carrier of the virus can still look healthy and go about his or her normal activities until his or her immune system becomes weak, then it would begin to be noticed in the person. It also makes viewers to understand that one cannot be infested through mingling with others and thus frowns at any form of discrimination against a carrier.

Featuring internationally celebrated stars including Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Pirates of the Caribbean, At World’s End, Hotel Rwanda and 24) as Kalu’s mentor; Fana Mokoena (Blood Diamond, Hotel Rwanda) as the ruthless team owner; Regina-Re as Miriam, Kalu’s mother; and newcomer Mamboleo Etufunwa (Jacob’s Cross), the film encourages everyone to know his or her HIV/AIDS status, avoid multiple sex partners, be faithful to one’s partner and always use the condom if there must be sex outside one’s partner. It also serves as a valuable tool to enlighten those already living with the virus on how best to conduct themselves, adhere to life-saving treatment and still get the best in life while advising those who are yet to know their HIV status to suppress their fears and update themselves.

The film also tells the viewers that with the right knowledge of how the virus spreads, the pandemic could be checked.

ACCORDING to Aig-Imoukhuede, “The bank’s intervention in the health space is a responsible approach to managing the impact of the triple pandemics of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria through effective workplace programmes, partnerships and community involvement that seek to reduce the effect of the pandemics on employees, their families, supply chain, clients and the society in general.”

“The partnerships between organisations are essential, and Inside Story is one of such partnerships. The film will help ensure that awareness and education about HIV/AIDS reaches the grassroots and shapes behaviour”.

The Consul-General of the US Consulate, Lagos, Jeffery Hawkins, in his opening speech, said, “the film would be a valuable tool to inform people across Africa and the world about the science of HIV. With greater understanding of the virus people can seek to know their status, to protect themselves, and to adhere to life-saving treatment if needed.” He called on other organisations to forge stronger alliances to put a stop to AIDS pandemic.

He also said: “The global AIDS response is a shared responsibility. And with strong leadership from the United States, and continued partnership from the private sector, we are seizing the opportunity the science has presented us to move toward an AIDS-free generation.”

Joining others to spread the message of AIDS free society, Aric Noboa, president, Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership and the executive producer of the film said, “knowledge is power, and with the film we have a powerful tool with which to share the science of HIV”, adding that Inside Story is an African film for the African audience to tackle a global pandemic.