I’m Positive 2019

The Onassis Foundation and Positive Voice, the Association of People Living with HIV in Greece takes a stand, questions stereotypes and triggers public curiosity, claiming that everything is a matter of education, in the two-day event “I’m Positive” on 13 and 14 November at Stegi,

Occasioned by the World AIDS Day, we present three real stories related to HIV, yet they also deal with wider concepts and values, such as education, respect of human rights and visibility. HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals get to know each other and speak out with daring and sincerity about their lives, in an open conversation on 14 November at Onassis Stegi Main Stage.

Following “I’m Positive 2018”, the event comprises two days of screenings for schools, on 13 and 14 November, on the Upper Stage. During the events for schools, children and teens will have the opportunity to speak with members of the HIV-positive community about issues of sexual health, the challenges and prejudices these individuals face, as well as about the importance of visibility and acceptance for what you are.

Program

13 & 14 November 2019 | 10:00-12:15

Upper Stage

Screenings for schools and discussion with: Raphael Bilidas (HIV activist, Fundraiser of Positive Voice and the Spokesperson of Athens Pride) and Marilina Avani (psychologist, scientific associate to 11528 – By Your Side, the Greek Nationwide Psychological Support Helpline for LGBTQI+ people, their families, and educators) Moderated by Mary Synatsaki (content creator / entrepreneur)

Main Stage

"I am Positive": Open Discussion

The people who brought life into this year's campaign meet onstage for an honest and bold discussion. With Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, Michael Macneal, Bruce Richman, Anna Kouroupou, Nikos Fitsialos, Raphael Bilidas, Konstantina Polivou

Moderated by Dimitris Theodoropoulos and Lydia Papaioannou The discussion is followed by a party at the Ground floor Foyer.

Credits

Organised by Onassis Stegi & Positive Voice

Film Screenings Program

Hippo

Theofylaktos Argyrou/ Greece, 2018, 24’

Sotiris is an overweight boy and a student with a special talent in the drawing. Sotiris receives daily psychological and physical violence from Antonis and his friends. Sotiris will attract the interest of Joy, a student of the school's biggest troublemakers. Joy will approach Sotiris for utilitarian purposes and will help him come out of his shell. Even if that means that Sotiris will succumb to his most bestial instincts.

Greek School Prayer

Thanasis Neofotistos / Greece, 2014, 20’

In Dimitri’s high school, Vassilis and his friends, a gang of bullies, terrorize him. When he learns that it’s his turn to say the morning prayer in front of the entire school, Vassilis becomes the only thing he can think about. But what’s going to happen when the time comes, and he stands in front of the whole school and mainly in front of him?

Spring Fever

Anna Snowball / UK/Netherlands, 2019, 9’

A glimpse into a refreshingly different sex education class in the Netherlands. This isn’t just a sex ed class, this is an anti-shame class.

Jus+ Like Me

Samuel Douek, / UK, 2018, 15’

A short documentary about the life and legacy of HIV activist Phil Dzwonkiewicz.

Despite the widespread dissemination of medication to prevent the spread of HIV and a rapid decline in new infections, people living with the virus continue to endure shame and stigma from wider society.

After struggling to keep his HIV status a secret for many years, Phil launched the campaign #HIVDoesntDefineYou as a way to normalize a dialogue surrounding the illness and to be an example of a happy and healthy HIV+ person

The film premiered at BAFTA in honour of World AIDS Day on 1st December 2018 and is in partnership with UNAIDS (United Nations).