Match+
Directors: Ann S Kim and Priya Giri Desai
Logline: At the Y.R. Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education (YRG CARE) clinic in Chennai, India, Dr.Solomon and her staff launch a matrimonial matchmaking service for their positive patients.
MATCH+ is a documentary film that will tell the human story of HIV/AIDS through a new lens: the growing movement for HIV-positive marriage matchmaking in India. With the effectiveness and relative availability of antiretroviral drug therapy, HIV-positive people are living longer. But in a culture steeped in tradition and obsessed with marriage, how do you find lifelong companionship when you are HIV-positive? MATCH+ is a modern love story.
Despite stigma and discrimination (marriage among HIV-positive people was illegal in India until recently) doctors connect their patients, NGOs run marriage bureaus, and singles and families place classified ads seeking HIV-positive relationships. Dr. Suniti Solomon, founding director of the Y.R. Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research & Education (YRG CARE) in Chennai India, is at the forefront of this movement. AIDS treatment has been her mission ever since her laboratory documented the first evidence of HIV in India in 1986. Now, she has established her clinic’s Matrimonial Services Department. A central character to our film, Dr. Solomon’s voice and presence will be integrated throughout an intertwining story of three main characters – a bachelor, an engaged couple, and a couple seeking to have children – illustrating the trajectory of matchmaking, from the single life to parenthood. In addition to learning about the matching of castes, language, and religion, Dr. Solomon will also provide insight into the science of matchmaking: in a culture where families consult the stars to find the perfect match, CD4 (white blood cell) counts are her astrology.
The film we want to make is one that uncovers the familiar out of what seems unfamiliar or foreign, breaking down prejudices that audience may have about India or HIV. Most importantly, we will do this by telling compelling stories about real people looking for love – something everyone can relate to.