PoCityVity+: A story of survival and belonging

In 2008, one of the most exciting projects, both for the Programme and the organisation, resulted in the production of Isandla Institute's documentary titled PoCityVity+: A story of survival and belonging. Visual images and personal stories can convey certain messages in much more powerful ways than presentations by professionals. The intention was to produce a short (10-12 minute) video on HIV/AIDS and the built environment, to be used as an audiovisual tool during workshops, presentations and lectures. The material generated was so rich that it proved difficult to compress all the information into less than 25 minutes. The DVD is a proud product of the programme, yet again illustrating that the programme is innovative and cutting edge.  The documentary is meant to be used in workshops, lectures and other public engagements to facilitate discussion about HIV/AIDS and what constitutes an appropriate response, particularly for planners and other built environment professionals. Isandla Institute has made effective use of the documentary to date, showing it to a variety of audiences, including policy makers, planners, municipal health officials, HIV Coordinators, regional (Africa) affiliates of Shack Dwellers International and researchers and other stakeholders affiliated to the HIV/AIDS and Local Government Learning Network (Halogen).