UnLonely Film Festival 5

PLUS

Zaire is diagnosed with HIV, a condition that still has a heavy social stigma. He carries this burden alone until he finds the strength to confide in a friend.

1-CLick Reaction

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Consider This

Talking with others about a shared arts experience can enrich our perspectives. Watch this video to explore the film’s meaning and major themes a bit more.

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Meet the Filmmaker

What is their why?

“HIV has been used by society as a form of scare tactics to promote safe sex, but they have failed to acknowledge the lived experience of those affected in the community. I felt that these dehumanizing narratives made it easy to create emotional detachments from the HIV-affected community.

I wrote this film to acts as a guide to those who must learn to live with this virus and accept themselves simultaneously. This story following an HIV-positive boy explores self-acceptance’s raw journey while highlighting the importance of support systems. The intention of PLUS is to build respect, empathy, and understanding around HIV and the people it has affected.”

Andrew J. Rodriguez is an Afro-Dominican filmmaker from The Bronx. He is an alumnus of SUNY Purchase, where he studied Film. Being a product of The Bronx, one of America’s cultural champions, his stories live in the nuanced, intersectional experiences of people of color. He writes stories of us that transcend beyond our identity while simultaneously embracing it.

Filmmaker’s Instagram

Join the Conversation

Sometimes we don’t always know when our friends need help;, when was the last time you asked those close to you, how they are coping? Can you think of a time when you were a good friend and provided the care needed?

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