The Haitian entertainment society is using its creativity and effectiveness in persuading people about the real threats and the possible solutions for the spread of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Such efforts are marked as among the most innovative and creative worldwide.

Through the years, motion pictures have been used by governments and advocates to win people's sympathies and to convince them to a recommended call to action. With the widespread cases of diagnosed AIDS patients in Haiti, the government has been very vocal in asking all sectors of the society to help curtail the problem. Fortunately, the Haitian movie industry is taking heed and is assuming responsibility in helping disseminate correct and proper education.

In a neither country where two out of five people can read nor write, the power of movies can do wonders. According to latest trends, fantasy movies are among the most patronized by Haitian moviegoers. More interestingly, a poll showed that one in every four Haitians has the belief that AIDS can be transmitted not by sex but by supernatural means. Thus, movie producers have been trying their best to be as responsible as ever in helping correct such misconception.

Thus, movies are seen as a good way on how to educate people. Data shows that local people are finding movies more worthwhile and entertaining than television, radio and magazines. The government also supports this notion and is appealing to movie producers to be helpful as possible in the drive to make the country AIDS free in the next couple of years.

One of the outstanding movies noted to take this advocacy is 'Le President a-t-il le sida?', in English, 'Has the President got AIDS?'. The film is about a popular celebrity who falsely believed that a voodoo ceremony has helped him become immune from AIDS. Producers and advocates hope the underlying message of the movie would help educate people about the real causes of the spread of AIDS.

Sociologists are feeling positive about the development. They say the Haitian society is exuding a sense of maturity and overall growth. Through the rise of such social-conscious movies, the entertainment society is proving that it is also involved in such pressing national issues. For many analysts, the rise of responsible and socially relevant film making is a clear indication that Haiti is very much determined to help itself contain the health problem that has been giving the country a bad stigma.

The development in Haiti is expected to inspire other film and television producers all around the world to also adopt the same measures in helping curtail the rapid spread of AIDS. We all know that proper and reliable education and information dissemination can be a good factor in halting the continuous cycle of AIDS spread. Indeed, Haiti is becoming a role model when it comes to becoming creative and resourceful in resolving issues that may involve strong social factors. The responsible Haitian film industry should be commended.

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