Together to diminish discrimination against AIDS sufferers

Gu Changwei (R1), Zhao Liang (R2) and the 3 main volunteer actors attend the press conference of the film "Together" held on February 12. [CRI]

Official statistics indicate there are about 370,000 HIV carriers in China, and it is estimated that the number could reach 740,000. But because of discrimination, most people are afraid to be tested for the disease and remain silent.

A recent Chinese documentary about AIDS entitled "Together" has broken the silence and is listed in the Panorama section at the ongoing 61st Berlin International Film Festival.

Film director Zhao Liang and producer Gu Changwei attended a press conference to discuss the film on February 12 in Beijing.

In 2009, Gu had searched for HIV carriers to participate in the production of his HIV-related drama "Life Is a Miracle." His film "Together" records the entire process of making the drama and the current situation of HIV sufferers.

When Zhao Liang was asked how he found the actors for his documentary, he said: "A lot of HIV carriers refused to participate in this film. They could tell you their stories by e-mail or interview, but they refused to show their faces onscreen. Most of them don't want to change the current situation. If a white-collar worker who is an HIV carrier shows his face onscreen, he will lose his job immediately."

As a result, except for three volunteers, all other HIV carriers in the film did not want their faces to be shown.

"I hope one day we will be authorized by the HIV carriers in this film to show their faces onscreen, but I want the film to be released earlier to eliminate the discrimination," Gu said.

The documentary will premiere at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival. But as no Chinese films have been selected to compete for the Golden Bear this year, how does Zhao Liang see this opportunity to screen his film at an international film festival?

"I do not expect too much from the Berlin International Film Festival, because the film reflects a Chinese problem," Zhao said. "I hope more Chinese people can see the film. Of course, the trip to Berlin may raise the film's profile in China. The aim of the film is to build a bridge between the HIV carriers and the audience and reduce discrimination born of misunderstanding."

Gu Changwei also said the documentary would be released again in China between March and May. His new film "Life Is a Miracle" featuring actors Zhang Ziyi and Aaron Kwok will open in March and help promote the documentary.