‘Swara’ (Seven Notes) a cinematic creation by internationally awarded actress Nita Fernando and Manohan Nanayakkara has been used for renowned mission as part of AIDS awareness.

A special screening of the film for the people with HIV was held in Colombo last week with the partnership of Lanka Business Coalition for HIV/AIDS, a coalition of individual corporates who have partnered with organisations such as the National STD/AIDS Control Programme of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, ILO, UNAIDS, Chambers of Commerce, and Employers Federation who aimed to address the critical issue of HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention.

“We are glad that the film is being used for an important mission and was being screened commemorating World AIDS Day which holds a special place in people’s hearts and important enough to be celebrated as a special day,” filmmaker Nita Fernando told TV Times.

The movie which discusses issues like religion and the transmission of HIV, violence, infidelity and HIV, poverty, dependence and HIV, sex work and HIV, tourism and HIV, migration and the spread of HIV has its screenplay written and scripted by Yolanda Weerasinghe and directed by Sanjaya Nirmal. Originally titled “Journey of Hope”, the film with a remarkable message was nominated for the Green Rose Award for a film with a Global message at the 5th Jaipur International Film Festival -2013 held in India.Woven around the life of Narmada, an internationally famed Sri Lankan professional music composer and a symphony conductor who embarks on a heroic journey against social stigma associated with HIV and AIDS when she discovers that she has been infected with the deadly disease through her unfaithful husband.

The journey leads Narmada to discover fellow travellers in a community of HIV positives who have overcome social stigma and lead profitable lives. Ultimately Narmada wins back her rights through a legal battle helped by her beautiful lawyer daughter, Nimanthi (Sachini Ayendra Mahipala) who defeats multimillionaire entrepreneur Justin Weerakoon.
The film stars Sachini Ayendra Mahipala, Anusha Rajapakse, Damitha Abeyrathne, W.Jayasiri, Diluni Mallawaarchi, Danu Innasitamby and Nita herself in the main cast.

The film was screened at an audience which included religious dignitaries like Ven. Rev. Professor Kuburugamuwa Vajira Thero, Ven. Rev. Neluwakanda Ghahananda Thero, Ven. Rev. Ruwanpura Ghanawimala Thero and Rev. Udumulle Sarabdal Thero, Rev. Fr. Joseph Benedict, National Director OCIC/UNDA, Rev Fr. Chrishantha, Rev. Fr. Sarath Hettiarachchi and several ministers including Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Minister Dulles Alahapperuma and Minister Lalith Dissanayake, Deputy Minister of Health.