Feature Spotlight | TV & Film
Stigma against HIV+ individuals runs deep within the Black community. Fueled by limited access to community support and disproportionately high HIV rates affecting Black, LGBTQ+ people, the narrative surrounding HIV is often shaped by harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. HIM+ seeks to change that narrative.
Trailblazing writer, casting director, and executive producer, Chazriq “Chazam” Clarke is spearheading HIM+, a short film that challenges the perceptions of HIV while offering hope, healing, and representation. A rising voice in storytelling, Clarke is deeply committed to amplifying voices within the Black, LGBTQ+ community that are often underrepresented in mainstream media.
With a fundraising goal of $10,000 by the end of December, the production team is calling on supporters to help bring this powerful, necessary story to life. The funds will ensure HIM+ reaches its full potential, covering production costs, post-production, and outreach to bring the film to audiences nationwide. If you wish to support you can do so by their Seed & Spark page here.
According to the official synopsis of HIM+:
“HIM+ tells the story of Chris, a recent Morehouse college graduate who discovers he is HIV-positive. This life altering news plunges Chris into an intense emotional journey as he grapples with fear, shame, and acceptance. Amidst this, Chris finds strength and solace through the unwavering support of his friends, a compassionate doctor, and his deepening faith in God.”
Audiences get a glimpse of HIM+’s themes in the official teaser.
In the clip, Chris, sits alone in the dark, surrounded by an ominous atmosphere, listening to a news report on his laptop. The news announcer cites a statement from Morehouse School of Medicine: “Black women and men are being infected by HIV at a higher rate than anyone else in the country”.
Visibly unsettled by this grim fact, Chris’s anxiety worsens when he receives a voicemail from the County Health Department, most likely concerning his HIV test results. He stares into the distance contemplating an uncertain future.
What weighs heavily on Chris’s mind is a reality for many Black, LGBTQ+ individuals today, who face staggering rates of HIV compared to their non Black counterparts. Beyond these stark statistics, we must navigate a society that not only condemns queerness, but also stigmatizes those living with HIV.
Historically the LGBTQ+ community has been reduced to discussions of sex–how much, with whom, and which body parts are involved. These short narrow perspectives have had a lasting impact on how LGBTQ+ communities are perceived and what kind of care we receive, both socially and healthwise.
Ironically, it’s not solely sexual activity that influences HIV transmission but everyday barriers like access to employment, housing, transportation, and healthcare costs that have a more direct impact on HIV prevention. Yet, the discourse around HIV incidence, hyper-focuses on sexual behavior and the perceived “blame” of the person that contracted HIV.
Clarke is working to challenge and dismantle the harmful perceptions surrounding HIV, by providing a positive and humanized perspective within the Black community.
“I wanted to tell a story that feels real, that feels familiar, but also leaves people with a sense of hope,” Clarke says.
“No illness, situation, failure, mistake, or life altering news should mean the end of anything–it can be the beginning of healing and deeper understanding of self.”
HIM+ is currently in the pre-production phase, with plans to shoot in Atlanta, GA by early to mid-January and a premiere scheduled for February. HIM+ cannot happen without the support of the community.
Whether through pledging funds, sharing the campaign, or following on Instagram, every bit of support makes a tremendous impact.
While HIM+ is led by Chazriq “Chazam” Clarke, the project is powered by a strong team of
creatives who are committed to delivering this story with care and authenticity:
Jhaneal Kelli (@jhaneal_kelli) serves as producer, operating under her
production company, Vision to Life (@visiontolifeagency). Her sharp organizational skills and passion for impactful storytelling ensure the project’s success and emotional resonance.
Creed Smith (@directorcreed) joins as director, providing a powerful and artistic
vision to the project. Known for his ability to capture deeply human stories, Smith brings the
emotional and visual authenticity HIM+ demands.
Kenadi McGee (@itskenadi) serves as costume supervisor, crafting the visual
language of the characters through intentional wardrobe design. Her creative page, Kenadi
Creates (@kenadi_creates), highlights her dynamic talent for styling and artistic expression.
Gayes, we want to see this timely film come to fruition. Please show your support for HIM+ here or donate directly via CashApp at $chazamdreams.