The Reasons for a Smile

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Summary: This innovative, uplifting film takes us on a journey along the path of a person living with HIV: from fear and emptiness to the decision to live positively and on to unshakable optimism and love of life. The film stars four individuals who play a key role in responding to the epidemic in Burkina Faso.

Sample topics for discussion:

1) When you face serious challenges in your life, who and what are your most powerful sources of strength and hope?

2) When people you love face serious challenges, in what specific ways are you a powerful source of strength and hope for them?

Directed by Fanta Régina Nacro, Burkina Faso

Based on original ideas by:

1. Miss Léandrine Baganda, age 23, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
2. Mr. Sheikh Omar Taal, age 15, Banjul, The Gambia
3. Miss Ndlangamandla Phindile, age 20, and Miss Ndlangamandla Zanele, age 16, Nhlangano, Swaziland
4. Mr. Danga Essigué Désiré, age 20, Kélo, Chad
5. Miss Samira Gomes Furtado, age 17, Praia, Santiago, Cape Verde
6. Mr. Celestine Nnodim, age 22, Owerri, Nigeria
7. Miss Ninelle N’Siloulou, age 23, Brazzaville, Congo
8. Mr. Madiène Niang, age 21, Keur Massar, Senegal

• Length: 7 minutes 25 seconds
• Production date: 2006
• Shot in Burkina Faso
• Currently available in: Dioula, English, Fon, French, Hausa, Igbo, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Lingala, Mina, Mooré, Portuguese, Pulaar, Twi, Wolof, and Yoruba.

Please click here to view and download photos from the shoot of the film Reasons for a Smile.

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