CWTL Crew Q&A: Gregory Cassagnol on HIV/AIDS in Haiti

What is the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Haiti?

One in twenty Haitians in Haiti is infected with HIV/AIDS. That’s a startling statistic for a developed country in the Western Hemisphere.

What is the prognosis for these HIV positive orphans?

The prognosis is grim for many of the HIV + orphans in Haiti. After the 2010 earthquake, the situation has become signifigantly worse. It’s imperative that something is done before Haiti loses a generation of children to HIV/AIDS.

CWTL Crew Q&A: Gregory Cassagnol on why Haiti is important

Why is Haiti important?

Haiti is important because it’s history, from it’s days as the most profitable of the French colonies in the New World, to it’s historic slave rebellion that birthed a sovereign nation in 1804, on through its current state post the 2010 earthquake; reflects the indomidable will of a people fighting social ills and constant tumult all while mantaining a strong sense of humanity and culture.

CWTL Crew Q&A: Gregory Cassagnol on the challenges of fundraising for a documentary

How have you raised funds? Describe your methods and why you chose that methodology.

Our team has self financed production and has raised funds through local fundraising initiatives.

Why Indie Go Go?

Indie Go Go provides the platform for us to reach the individuals that care about stories like ours and see the value of producing this type of dialogue on the broadest stage possible. We need forward thinking and socially responsible people to support us. Indie Go Go helps us reach that group.

CWTL Crew Q&A: Gregory Cassagnol on producing a documentary in Haiti

What are some of the difficulties that you’ve faced during production?

I think the biggest obstacle that we’ve faced so far is managing the logistics of production within the many layers of Administration within the Haitian government that a group like ours must maneuver while attempting to tell our story. It’s been a challenge and will continue to be when dealing with such sensitive subject matter.

HIV/AIDS in Haiti: the big picture

Here’s a map of the world that shows the prevalence of adults with HIV from country to country. It’s very interesting to see that Haiti has the second highest prevalance rate on the index. Such a small country, such a huge problem. Join the Conversation.

– Gregory Cassagnol