A crew of vibrant enthusiasts from Pune have come together to create a short film U=Me, promoting the U=U (Undetectable Equals Untransmittable) message in HIV awareness. The film was released yesterday at NFAI, Law College Road, Pune. Padma Vibhushan Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, Former Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research was the Chief Guest for the screening.
Lt Gen Dr Madhuri Kanitkar- Chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, renowned artist and psychiatrist and Padmashri Dr Mohan Agashe, Dr Raman Gangakhedkar- Epidemiologist and Public Health Expert, Umesh Kulkarni -National Award-Winning Short Film Director, Dr. Sanjay Pujari- Film Producer, Dr Vivek Bele- Film Writer, National award-winning artist Shweta Basu Prasad, Arjun Radhakrishnan- General Secretary of National Coalition of People Living with HIV in India, Manoj Pardeshi and the rest of the films cast were present on the occasion.
The event was also virtually graced by Dr Roderico Ofrin, India Representative of the World Health Organization, and Dr Soumya Swaminathan-Former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization who delivered a message emphasizing the film’s importance in bridging the gap between scientific advancements and public awareness.
Speaking as the chief guest at the screening, Dr Mashelakar said, “Traditional media for conveying information like leaflets have a limited reach and impact, but visual art forms like films and short films are effective media even for medical communication. In the treatment of any medical condition, it is not just medicines but sympathy and compassion that play an important role for any patient.”
U=Me has been presented by Dr Mohan Agashe and Dr Raman Gangakhedkar. Dr Agashe mentioned that through the film they want to show a ray of hope for people living with HIV.
Speaking about the film, Umesh Kulkarni said, “Our short film ‘U=Me’ offers a gripping look into the lives touched by the science of HIV. It is a film that enlightens, educates, and inspires. As the world is fighting complex health challenges, ‘U=Me’ is a silver lining proving that knowledge is power and a pathway to empathy and change.”
In a move to ensure widespread accessibility and impact, “U=Me” will be available for free on YouTube.
The film has garnered international acclaim with multiple accolades and official selections at prestigious film festivals, including a notable victory in the health category at the Cannes World Film Festival.
