Why did the film was named “Awaiting Tomorrow?”
The film was named "Awaiting Tomorrow" because it's expresses the "Hope" that the women and man featured in the film had, and it was the main motive of the sense of urgency that the remedies to the HIV/AIDS patients had.
What are the techniques and special technologies that you used in this film?
This was filmed using an Sony HD Camera and was edited in New York at WITNESS using Final Cut Pro software. The sound was finetuned using a livelier mic.
How did come up with the main idea of the film ?
The idea to make this film came from the growing pressure from former combatants who were concerned by their health status and wanted to raise awareness and have a specific advocacy goals to bring the needed change. Many children and young people, who were in military or not, are infected with HIV or living with AIDS but the lack of access to treatment and medication was a dilemma in addition to beeing HIV positive. Even those who wanted to know their health status with regards to HIV couldn't not afford the cost of testing when you compare to the daily income which is almost 1$/day and the testing costs were about $5.
What is the message you would like deliver from this film?
The message in this film is: HIV/AIDS patient have rights to medication and treatment, the DRC Health authorities should guarantee access to treatment, medication and free testing, which is a fulfillment of their duties. The community should avoid discrimination and the DRC government should ensure to eliminate discrimination against people who are infected/living with HIV/AIDS.
Why do people who have AIDS have difficulties co-existing in their societies?
The relationship between HIV/AIDS patients and the rest of the communities is low, the stigma and the discrimination are always the two prevailing factors. The rejection that the HIV/AIDS patient are victim of makes them to feel that the community is hostile and therefore they have to take on that fight in addition to fight against their disease. Beside that, HIV is, until now, impossible to cure, and the community considers that being a driving factor of the despair for those who are infected, while the costs for medication and treatment are unaffordable.
How to help them overcome this problem?
The HIV/AIDS patients need support, solidarity, love and compassion more than ever. This requires a great effort in terms of awareness raising that will help educate the community, call the governing authorities upon their responsibilities and the donor's community to provide more funding to make accessible the treatment, testing and medication.
How can we help to deliver medical care to them in poor countries ? and should this be done by initiatives from developed countries only?
The medications are now available in many countries but still many others can't access them. To make the medication/treatment doesn't matter developed or less developed countries, what matters is who is willing to help and ready to help.
Is this the first time you participate in this festival?
This is the first time I participate in this festival, and I believe it is a great opportunity to spread the message adn possibly bring help and support to those who are HIV infected in the Congo.
Did the film participate in other international festivals?
Yes, the film was screened at other international human rights film festival such as the Bahrain International Human Rights Film festival, Amnesty International Film Festival, etc. But also it was featured in some Magazines.
What are the awards the the film has won?
The film hasn't won an award, though this is not its goal but would be appreciated.
Why did participated in Cairo Human Rights Film festival? and specially why Egypt?
The participation at the Cairo Human Rights Film Festival offers an opportunity to spread the message and to raise awareness. it is the choice of the organizers who select the films, and we're grateful.
What is the human rights' cause that the film present?
The film portrays the issue of HIV/AIDS as a human rights issue and therefore it shouldn't be viewed as a sole policy matter. Everyone has right to live, work and other basic human rights as recognized in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
And, how did you present it or express that idea?
The film features 3 characters from different backgounds and each one with own experience. With driven-interview style - storytelling mode, the characters present the issue and their ask. It was an effective way to present the issue. Video is nowadays effective way to convey the message and to speak to all-audience, that's why the video give effectively the entire issue with its complexity and frame it in clear messaging.
What are the obstacles that you faced while making this film?
The main obstacles is the security of the interviewees and the meeting their expectations. It was not easy to secure their consent to be filmed and interviewed; while I had finished the interview of one character, but he died while I was about to start editing. That was heartbreaking.
