NEW UNTOUCHABILITY-WORLD AIDS DAY 2009

CHENNAI WORLD AIDS DAY EVENT 2009

Karunalaya in association with Red Giant Movies and Alaihal Midea organized World AIDS Day Mega Event in Chennai. Screening of three short films (Trilogy), LIFE, LOVE and HOPE was held on the occasion of World AIDS day 1^st December 2009, at Satyam Cinemas, at 9.00 am.

The trilogy film was produced by “People AIDS Initiative” in collaboration with “Red Giant Movies and alaihal MIDEA” The trilogy is made for creating awareness and restoring universal acceptance and human dignity of victims of HIV/AIDS through fighting stigma and discrimination. The story and dialogue for the trilogy has been written by Mrs. Kiruthiga Udayanithi, the editor of the monthly ‘INBOX 1305’ and directed by Tamil Film Directors Mr. M. Sasikumar and Mr. Mysskin. The event was co-sponsored by TANSACS and APAC-VHS-USAID.

Karunalaya Social Service Society is a voluntary organization working for the protection of street and working children and empowerment of vulnerable women for the past 14 years. In partnership with Tamil Nadu State Aids Control Society (TANSACS), Karunalaya is implementing Targeted Intervention project for STI, HIV/AIDS prevention among Female Sex Workers in North Chennai.

Karunalaya was the NGO partner to organise this mega event of screening of Trilogy in Chennai City. Prominent personalities from the Film Industry, Government officials, Health Care professionals, NGO Directors and volunteers, Women Self Help Group Members, Members from transgender community, MSM, Female Sex Workers were also also present for the event.

INAUGURATION OF THE EVENT

The Event was graced by the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. M.K. Stalin and His Wife Mrs. Durga Stalin. The event was inaugurated by Lighting the Lamp by Mrs. Durga Stalin. An introductory dance was performed by the Students of Don Bosco Egmore.

SCREENING OF THE 3 SHORT FILMS

The fifteen minute trilogy aims to uphold human dignity of the HIV/AIDS infected people particularly children. The story and dialogue for the trilogy has been written by Mrs. Kiruthiga Udayanithi, the editor of the monthly ‘INBOX 1305’.

The films are directed by three socially conscious and accomplished Tamil film directors and personalities. The following are the directors of trilogy.

Trilogy 1: ‘LIFE’ by Mrs. Kiruthiga Udayanidhi, Editor of ‘INBOX 1305’

Trilogy 2: ‘LOVE’ by Director Mr. M. Sasikumar of ‘Subramaniapuram’ and ‘Nadodigal’ fame.

Trilogy 3: ‘HOPE’ by Director Mr. Mysskin of ‘Chithiram Pesuthadi’ and ‘Anjathe’ fame.

‘LIFE’ is a demonstration of how ignorance and lack of precise knowledge of HIV/AIDS can demean the dignity of victims. A film that draws lessons through a disaster ends in a note to celebrate all encompassing humanness in all persons that reaches out beyond all discriminations.

‘LOVE’ is a touching story of children living for each other in their home for the infected children. It is the celebration of sweetness of character, love, happiness. The story that will draw people to accept and adopt children of hope as their own.

‘HOPE’ is a heartbreaking human story in the light of the Indian epidemic HIV/AIDS. The last of the trilogy is hard-hitting and moving. It is a tight rope walk between loss and hope. The story underlines the loss the epidemic ensures but only to assure audacity of hope that is inimitably distinct only in such a situation.

PROFILE OF THE DIRECTORS

Trilogy 1: ‘LIFE’ : Mrs. Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi is the editor of the English monthly ‘INBOX 1305’. She is the founder-editor of this widely admired lifestyle magazine. The magazine is as creative as its name. The number is taken from Chennai’s latitude and inbox for ‘No one could afford to miss his/her Inbox’. Traditionally illustrious, she is a philanthropist with innate intelligence. Her generous donation to educate poor children and plant trees marked the first anniversary of ‘INBOX 1305’.

She is a member of Tamil Nadu’s first family. She is the wife of Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. M. K. Stalin. Kiruthiga, an inborn writer has flair for writing screenplays and has written script for all the three films. This is her first directorial debut. Nothing could have been more apt a launch for a person who upholds dignity of human beings and values human rights.

Trilogy 2: ‘LOVE’: Mr. M. Sashikumar is a Tamil Film director, producer and actor. He has daringly demonstrated that he is at best in all the three. His realistic directorial debut ‘Subramaniapuram’ was critically acclaimed and a big hit. The movie brought him the best laurels ever with Filmfare’s best director and best film awards.

His production ‘Pasanga’ was a brave venture and enjoyable children’s film. A film made for the children and by the children after a very long time in Tamil filmdom. His stint as actor in the film ‘Nadodigal’ has taken him to another level of realism and glory. The movie is a massive crowd puller.

Trilogy 3: ‘HOPE’: Mr. Mysskin is one of the confident and creative film makers. His passion of cinema is his strength. His thoughts come out so beautifully and meaningfully in his celluloid images. Both his films ‘Chitthiram Pesuthadi’ and ‘Anjathey’ are proof of such phenomenon.

He is currently working hard on his dream project ‘Nandalaala’. He is considered one of the great script writers of Tamil cinema today. He received rave reviews for his first film and then his second film went on to become biggest blockbuster of the year.

THE PROGRAMME

After the screening of the 3 short films, the dignitaries were invited on the Stage with the presentation of Bouquets.

Dr. N. Paul Sunder Singh, Director of Karunalaya Social Service Society, delivered welcome speech.

In his speech he mentioned about the challenges before us in fighting HIV/AIDS, particularly that the recent High Rish Behaviour Surveillance Study done by APAC indicates that there has been an increase in Stigma and Discrimination of HIV infected and affected people.

The study also found that people believe that being HIV infected was a symbol of shame and that they should be isolated. He welcomed the Deputy Chief Minister, The Worshipful Mayor of Chennai, the Chief Guest Padmashree Dr. Kamal Hasan, Chief of Red Giant Movies, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin, Vice Provincial, Rev. Fr. Joe Andrew, Ms. Krithiga Udhayanithi, Alaihal Midea Director Fr. Raj, Arumbu Publications Director Fr. Glorious Steve, President of Karunalaya, Mr. S. John Bosco, Vice President of Karunalaya Mr. B. Ravi Kumar David and all the invitees and Guests.

The Honorable Deputy Chief Minister launched the new forum ‘People AIDS Initiative.

Then the DVD version of the 3 short films were released by Dr. Kamal Hasan and the first copy received by the Mayor of Chennai. A book on HIV/AIDS was released by the Deputy Chief Minister and received by Rev. Fr. Joe Andrew and Fr. Glorious Steve.

NEW UNTOUCHABILITY

The Mayor of Chennai in his Presidential address, appreciated the efforts taken by Red Giant Movies, Alaihal Midea and Karunalaya on the World AIDS Day and requested that more such initiatives should be taken by the NGOs.

He also mentioned that the Government of Tamil Nadu is taken efforts in establishing VCTC and ART centres for the prevention and treatment of HIV infected.

The Chief Guest of the Event Dr. Kamal in his address mentioned that stigma and discrimination of the HIV infected and affected is a new untouchability that the society has to tackle.

He too appreciated the efforts of Red Giant, Karunalaya and Alaihal Midea.

Ms. Kritiga Uthayanidhi expressed thanks to all the co sponsors who came forward to support for the production of the 3 short films and for organizing the event.

She said that the People AIDS initiative is a platform from where more activities are planned for the care and support of the people living with HIV/AIDS. She also said that the People AIDS initiative will try to supplement the efforts of Dr. Kamal in providing insurance to the infected children and people by raising money for the cause.

Rev. Fr. Joe Andrew felicitated the gathering and said that there is a need to continue story telling, by way of films and short films. Fr. Raj, Fr. Glorious Steve, Mr. Sasikumar, Mr. Mysskin also spoke during the occasion.

MEMENTOS

The Directors were presented with a memento for their voluntary contribution of directing the film with large portraits as a token of gratitude. Films personalities such as Art Director Mr.Trosky Marudhu, Director Mr. K.S. Ravi Kumar, various other Directors, film artists, child artist who acted in the short films were also present and provided with Mementos. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Britto, Alaihal Midea and National Anthem.