Acosta, Geminiano, Nenita L. Ortega, RMT,MA, JNMC Sescon, MD,DPOGS
Kaagapay Support Group, Names Project, Manila, Philippines

EVOLVING TRENDS OF PHILIPPINE MOVIES ON AIDS:
THEN AND NOW

ISSUE:

Tri-media  campaigns are very effective tools in disseminating information and educating the public about HIV/AIDS. In 1993, the first movie about AIDS was done highlighting the life of the first publicly out self-confessed HIV positive young adult. It had a lot of negative messages more than the positive messages, worst of all is fear tactics pushing people to hide and go underground.

DISCUSSION:

A decade Philippine efforts addressing the AIDS epidemic has passed. There were several films and movies shown over the past 5 years. Comparing the quality of the films then and now, a lot has changed. Change caters to the different senses of a living person. Scare tactics no longer are seen on the big screens. The films are trying to foster community preparation for the unconditional acceptance of a PLWHA should the person decide to go back to his own community. Films on AIDS are no longer commercialized. It is more of a social movie now trying to impart specific messages that cut across all audiences. They are now more holistic in approach encompassing all aspects of a person's life.

RESULT:

Community people now have high awareness and education about AIDS. The trend now is geared towards modification of the behavior of the community people preparing an enabling environment that would foster good relationship among and between infected and non infected individuals of the society.

CONCLUSION:

Tri media in particular the big screen (movies) should be maximized as a tool to educating people and advocating for a just and equal  society free from stigma, discrimination and fear so that People living with HIV and AIDS will no longer hide in isolation, accepted by own family and the community.