Pick Up. A Film by Joshua Alan Rogers

Not all million dollar films turn out to be blockbusters. Some of the most memorable and thought provoking movies are independent films on a shoestring budget , yet pack a punch. "Pick Up" is a short film, written and directed by Joshua Alan Rogers, yet long on emotion. "Pick Up " tells the story of young Jesse, a driver for a car service. A multi-faceted film of coming out, coming of age and acceptance. Romantic and realistic,yet; at times funny,hopeful and heartbreaking. Much like real life . Shot with one camera, Pick Up makes you feel as though you are in the car with Jesse and Guy, witnessing the events, just as the characters do. I was fortunate enough to ask Joshua a few questions . Why do you think the pickup is an important film ? "I think Pick Up is an important film because it has an HIV-positive main character who's portrayed in a realistic, modern, and thoughtful way. He's relatable and likable. He's healthy and looking for love and acceptance just like everyone else. " What is the main point you wish to convey with this film ? "The main point I want to convey with this film is that the stigma towards HIV-positive people today is different from what it was 15 years ago, but is still very prevalent. " Do you believe the stigma associated with HIV has a negative impact on a persons physical well being ? "I believe that the stigma associated with HIV has a negative impact on a person's physical well being. In order for people to stay physically healthy, they must also be mentally healthy, which becomes difficult when living in fear or stress. " What do you hope that the audience takes away from this? "I want the audience to feel empathy and relate to both the HIV-positive character as well as the HIV-negative character. To put themselves in their shoes and feel empathy. To ask themselves how they would tell a partner their status or how they would react if a partner was HIV-positive. This isn't a situation everyone's been in or even seen before. " Is the message the same for gay and straight audience members ? "I think the message for gay and straight audience members is the same. The message of acceptance is universal. " Please share this post as it is a project I truly believe in . Thank you https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/20733870/pick-up-a-short-film