The centrepiece of the “Love Is…” campaign is an upbeat 90-second short film, directed by gay Wellington film-maker Andy Boreham, which will be shown before all the men’s film screenings at Out Takes 2006. The film features three real-life male couples – one younger, one thirty-something, and one retired.
While the vast majority of gay and bisexual men are still using condoms with casual sexual partners, the safe sex message is just as important for male couples, because the risk of HIV is no less great for men in relationships, says Douglas Jenkin, Team Co-ordinator Gay Men’s Health.
“Our research shows that nearly 30% of men with a regular partner say they don’t know his HIV status, or say he has never been tested,” he says. “This is very alarming, because our research also shows that nearly 50% of these men with a regular partner either very rarely or never use condoms for anal sex.”
The “Love Is…” film’s soundtrack features local singer/songwriter Carly Binding, who donated the use of her song, “This Is It”, free of charge. Ms Binding will also be performing at the campaign launch in Wellington on May 23rd.
The film is supported by print material, a website, greeting cards and safe sex packs in three different designs – one for each of the three couples in the campaign. “It’s set in summer, showing the couples swimming on a beautiful lake, sailing on a harbour, and building a dream home, because this time of year sums up everything about life that we think is great,” says director Andy Boreham. “Protecting your life and your love with safe sex is the central message.”
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE (includes download of short film): www.loveis.co.nz
Outtakes - www.outtakes.org.nz
