Sometimes it seems like movies and TV shape how people see themselves and one another. That’s why I’m excited that Michael Matucci is bringing a real story about H to the big screen in a Hollywood movie. Michael is making a bold move to take the conversation about H out of the shadows and into mainstream culture. AND… you can help! Contribute something to the Kickstarter campaign (launching in a few days). Even a small donation helps and let’s the crew know how much this matters.
My buddy David (who also helps to lead the Herpes Opportunity weekend workshops) and I had a great chat with the creator/writer Michael Matucci about this upcoming movie (set to start filming in a few months) called “Party Favors.” We talk about why he created it and what he wants people to get from the movie:
[ KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN LAUNCHING SOON! ]
“Based on a true story, Party Favors illustrates the isolation of stigma and the power and freedom of transparency.”Look at it this way for a minute… Herpes affects a huge percentage of real people, yet it’s nowhere to be found in popular culture. I wonder which celebrities, rock stars and movie stars have herpes? I wonder how many of them keep secret about it because of shame and fear.
That’s why both this movie and Herpes Opportunity are so awesome. (Don’t you think?) 
We have open and real conversations about our experiences and our lives. Simply having the conversation is often a healing transformational experience for many people (just see all the success stories here and here). At the Herpes Opportunity, people realize they are not alone, and this movie has the potential to bring that same realization to thousands of people who still feel that way.
From the Party Favors website:
“Party Favors is an up close and personal film. It’s the story of dashing singles, busy charming the city of LA by day and attempting to keep life on the surface at night. It’s all to avoid facing the secrets that bubble within. Based on a true story, Party Favors illustrates the isolation of stigma and the power and freedom of transparency.”
Sound familiar?
The freedom that comes with shameless transparency — especially around something as vulnerable as our sexuality — has the potential to transform sexual shame into deep connection. That’s the deep connection our world is yearning for. And not just connection in a romantic sense. Human connection. And that’s why this film is exciting to me. It’s a perfect complement to exactly what the Herpes Opportunity stands for.
Here’s what Michael writes about the movie:
I talk too much. Always have. Get me going on a topic—politics, corporate mischief, ignorance, plastic bags, sodas—I just go! I excitedly started telling others about my newest movie script, Party Favors, based on the true story of a couple of dashing guys who seemed to have it all on the outside but kept the uncomfortable secrets of their chronic STDs deep within. Instead of the usual, “Wow, Michael. Sounds cool!” I watched as discomfort crept across their faces like an evening shadow. “A movie about a guy with herpes?! Uhhh…”
Folks, this is why I make films.
Misconceptions and prejudices are shattered when we meet the people who actually live with whatever it is that we are critical (read fearful) of. The characters in Party Favors are beautiful, stylish, and dynamic. They sweep you off your feet. Their dance is dazzling and electric. They have solid day jobs and make entertaining company at night. And they, like millions of others, are living with chronic STDs.
After eight months of preparation, I am burning up to shoot “Party Favors,” and get some common sense conversation about sexual health into the public realm. We will be giving it away for FREE on our YouTube Channel, RADartists. I want to show how H or anything about which we feel shameful is, like Adrial says, an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to be a greater you.
You don’t have to be content to be an audience member. Step off the bleachers and get on the field by promoting this endeavor and/or contributing to the Kickstarter Campaign. Together we can mash stigma. Find out more at RealizeArtistsDreams.com/partyfavors.
The movement is coming. Help me give your story a Hollywood ending and let’s enlighten millions.
