Film gives hope against HIV

SOUTH Africa's latest hit film, Themba: A boy called hope, has spawned a campaign to raise awareness of HIV and Aids.

The film was awarded the Cinema for Peace Honorary Award in New York for its quest to raise awareness against Aids.

Cinema for Peace has pledged its full support for the initiative launched yesterday.

Brigid Olën of Do Productions said the film campaign "will reach into communities throughout the nine provinces of South Africa".

"Not only will community members have a chance to enjoy an entertaining and uplifting feature film, they will also have a chance to discuss the issues raised in Themba, such as HIV and poverty."

Ayla Hill, who is spearheading the campaign, said: "We have partnered with leading NGOs such as Gold Peer Education, National Welfare Social Services and Development Forum, and Score International who already work intensively within the communities we are screening to.

"Without their expertise and existing infrastructure our campaign would not be anywhere as far-reaching as it is."

She said screenings and workshops of Themba "would be integrated into existing NGO programmes and will tour throughout South Africa".

Olën saidThemba is "a film that speaks directly to the heart. It inspires discussion that leads to change and a better future. What more could we ask for?"

Last weekend Eastern Cape's Port St Johns came alive as the child stars who feature in the multi-award winning movie watched the finished product for the first time.

Most scenes in the production were shot on the Wild West Coast in that town.