A documentary about Camp Benedict, a summer camp in northern Minnesota for people and families affected by HIV/AIDS, is seeking funding for post-production.

“Putting the Ribbon Back On” follows Camp Benedict founder Connie Statz and camp attendees as it traces the history and meaning behind the camp.

Camp Benedict got its start in 1994 to provide support, education, and connections for people living with HIV, especially in Greater Minnesota. The short documentary highlights Statz’ role as camp founder after her diagnosis with HIV.

The project was shot over an 8-day period by filmmaker Richard Louprasong’s Snippet Edits production company and collaborator Keith Pederson, and named after a sign at the camp that read, “Putting the Ribbon Back On.” TheColu.mn is a producer of the film.

Putting the Ribbon Back On is part of a renewed conversation about HIV, Louprasong says. “But rather than inundate people with alarming, clinical statistics, [it] conveys an emotional impact within the familiar setting of families at a summer camp,” he wrote for the fundraiser. “While the film is valid to a general audience, we hope to especially target families affected by HIV/AIDS as well as young people who are less aware and more at risk to contracting the disease.”

“This project is a passion of mine because of how much I was amazed with Connie’s story and I really want to share with the world how amazing she is,” Louprasong told TheColu.mn. “Her personality, her light, her gift and everything about her gave me inspiration. Hearing her story of how she was infected with HIV, it made me very emotional. She faced many situations with stereotypes and discrimination. And if you look, it still happens today. There’s too much stigma. With this project, we intend to show people the faces of HIV.”

The project is looking to raise $5,000 through Kickstarter to do post-production editing and to get the film screened at film festivals.

“When we began the project, we didn’t start with any budget but the money out of our own pockets,” said Louprasong. “We had to ask for a lot of favors as far as equipment (Camera, Sound Recording, etc.) All the shooting of the production and sound recording was done by myself. There weren’t any other crew members during production besides Keith and I. Once we filmed everything, I knew we were going to need a budget for post.”

Donors through Kickstarter can choose from several levels of support including producer credit or a special edition DVD with bonus material.

“I hope this film makes an impact on everyone,” Louprasong said. “Because it’s a story that everyone can someone how relate to. Life is full of fear and negativity. But watching this film, it’s bound to inspire and bring hope.”

Putting The Ribbon Back On (Official Teaser) from Snippet Edits on Vimeo.