In 2016, I traveled to Eldoret, Kenya to produce a series of short films in collaboration with faculty and students at Moi University and the AMPATH health program. Shot on location with local casts and crews and supported by a New Frontiers grant from IU Indianapolis, the films use storytelling as a tool for health education and awareness.

This video thumbnail has a photo of a young man in Africa walking down a dirt road toward camera. His image is surrounded by several film festival laurels.
This is a video thumbnail of a medium portrait of a young man opposite a film festival laurel.
This is a video thumbnail of a medium portrait of a young man sitting in a crowded church with two film festival laurels at the bottom of the screen.
This is a video thumbnail of a young girl in a pink jacket eating in a dark room. Opposite her are 4 film festival laurels.

Michael

These 4 narrative shorts, made is 2015, used a participatory approach in collaboration with students and faculty at Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya. The films address issues faced by youth stigmatized by their HIV+ status. They were made possible with a New Frontiers in Arts and Humanities Grant from Indiana University Purdue University ~ Indianapolis.

  • Michael Michael, who is HIV+, suffers harsh treatment at home from his step-mother. His father doesn’t understand his health needs and neglects to take him to the clinic. Faced with his deteriorating health Michael has to find the determination to take responsibility for his health.
  • Mosi Mosi loves to play soccer at school, but faces the taunting of his teammates when speculation of his status spreads. Mosi has to win them over with his gamesmanship on the field.
  • Joshua Joshua is indispensable to his grandmother and admired by the pastor of his church. Then he learns of his status and everything suddenly changes. In the process the pastor of his church gains a new understanding of HIV and those who have it.
  • Afiya Afiya risks destroying her Aunt’s business if knowledge of her status becomes known. Her older sister, who was very supportive, has left for college and now Afiya has to face her fears of stigma and manage her HIV.