Film on HIV in Saskatchewan aims to break stigma

A film screened in Saskatoon Tuesday nightfocused on educating viewers on what it's like to live with HIV.

It's called Promising Practices in Indigenous Communities in Saskatchewan, and it shares the personal stories of those living with the HIV.

"We know that HIV is an issuein Saskatchewan, but a lot of times we sensationalize it and we make it become fear based," said Merv Thomas,a director at the Canadian Aboriginal Aids Network.

"What we wanted to show was the stories ofhow people are addressing HIV through culture and tradition. But also positive stories of hope."

According to Thomas, many people are still unwilling to get tested because of the stigma surroundingthe illness.

He saidone of the hardest parts was hearing about how some people were ostracized from their families, and even communities, after being diagnosed.

"What we are trying to do is show that people can live healthy lives and be the strengthof their communities," said Thomas on CBC Radio's TheAfternoon Edition.

"Hopefully by using their example, there are other communities that start thinking about HIV."

The film is meant to act both as a conversation start and as a tool to educate.

The film was screenedat the Roxy Theater in Saskatoon Tuesday night.