There is no reason to be afraid of HIV.

This is the main theme of “Ang Pagyakap sa Linya” by Pakak Studios and Lahat ng Bata, which tells the tales of those who are more vulnerable to HIV-related illnesses because of social stigma.

It centers on community-based screening (CBS) motivator Marvs (André Miguel), who meets up with JL (Jack Denzel), who may be his final client. JL met with Marvs in secret out of concern that his partner Rome (Kcedrick Balagat) would find out that he had taken an HIV test.

Producer Rain Russell proposed the project to director and co-producer Dominic Rivera two years ago.

Initially, Rivera asked Russell what message he wanted to convey in the movie, which was originally titled “Hindi Mabubura ang Linya.” It was simple: to encourage people to get tested for HIV, but Rivera felt that the title went against the intended message.

After developing the concept, he advised Russell to have faith in him to make the necessary changes.

“Kasi ‘yun ‘yung gusto kong iparamdam pagkatapos ng pelikula: isang yakap,” he said to a small group of people during a private screening in Cubao on Sunday, November 23.

(I want the audience to feel an embrace at the end of the movie.)

The producer-director also mentioned how the story spoke to him because he was raised with the Christian belief that avoiding HIV meant not being gay.

The same is true for Russell, who told ABS-CBN News that it was both a blessing and a challenge to draw from his experience as a real-life CBS motivator, or someone who works in communities to encourage HIV testing and treatment.

Doctors who were also HIV campaigners attended the viewing and praised the film’s skillful portrayal of its characters, which included the struggling, conflicted CBS motivator and the terrified, hesitant client. They pointed out that these kinds of narratives ought to be presented to the public in order to lessen the stigma associated with both the illness and gay individuals.

Rivera said that for the time being, they would rather have smaller, private screenings than submit the movie to festivals. Additionally, they wish to arrange tests at local levels, including in schools and barangays.