China's first TV play about AIDS will make its debut on the 14th
World AIDS Day which falls on December 1.
To
mark this year's World AIDS Day, China Central TV (CCTV) will
broadcast the play entitled "If I Have Tomorrow" on its eighth
channel during prime time on the evening of December 1.
On
the World AIDS Day each year, people all over the world hold
various activities aimed at spreading information about AIDS
including its prevention and control.
The play to be broadcast by the CCTV is produced by the China
National Communication and Education Center for Family
Planning(CNCECFP) with assistance from the State Family Planning
Commission(SFPC).
As
the first domestic TV play reflecting the life of an AIDS patient
to be shown in China, "If I Have Tomorrow" is expected to arouse
universal attention from all sectors of the community.
The play tells a story of a successful businessman, who becomes an
HIV carrier after a casual love affair.
Pan Guiyu, vice minister of the SFPC, said that the play not only
introduces to the public scientific knowledge about AIDS, but also
sets a good example of the correct attitude people should hold
toward the AIDS patients and their deadly disease.
The play explores the theme of AIDS from social, family, ethic and
moral perspectives, cautioning people to keep away from AIDS and
calling for social concern for AIDS patients, said Pan Guiyu.
CNCECFP's deputy director Liu Chunmei said that since the first
AIDS case in China was discovered in 1985, the incidence of the
disease has increased rapidly. By September 2001, all China's 31
provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities have reported
cases of HIV carriers.
Experts have estimated that the number of China's HIV carriers has
exceeded 600,000. In the first half of this year 67.4% more people
were infected with HIV than the same period last year.
Pan said that TV program is now the most effective way of
disseminating AIDS-related knowledge to the Chinese people as TV
coverage reaches 92% of the whole Chinese population.
Tao Jing, recording director of many famous Chinese films,
including "Farewell My Concubine" and "Raise the Red Lantern",
directed the TV play.
Zhao Jing and Yu Xiaoxue play the leading roles in the TV play. Pu
Cunxin plays a doctor who helps the hero regain his confidence in
life.
(Xinhua News
Agency November 28, 2001)