“A ray of light from the film has entered our lives, while the love around us will remain far longer than the film itself,” a student from the Linfen Red Ribbon School said after watching the film Changier. This plain and heartfelt remark reveals how the warmth of the film echoes through the interweaving of story and reality.

On November 14, 2025, all teachers and students from the Linfen Red Ribbon School went to the cinema together to watch Changier, the first public-welfare film in China focusing on adolescent HIV/AIDS prevention. The film, with Chief Planner Ms. Zhang Yinjun and written, directed and produced by Xiang Kai, was carefully developed over a period of three years and crafted with dedication over the course of three years. Its creative inspiration was drawn directly from the Linfen Red Ribbon School—the only full-time, specialized boarding school in the nation dedicated to admitting and caring for children affected by HIV/AIDS. Based on the real-life experiences of its characters, the film tells the story of Ji Jie, a teenager who, after losing his mother to HIV/AIDS, moves from estrangement with his father to mutual understanding and reconciliation. A key scene in which the mother enables her son to grow up healthy through mother-to-child transmission prevention technology serves as a vivid illustration of the significant progress China has achieved in HIV/AIDS prevention and control. More than that, the film weaves scientific knowledge into a warm human narrative, allowing viewers to deeply reflect on stigma, courage, love, and adolescent growth.

After the screening, Zhang Xiang, Director of the Asset Management Committee of the Beijing Changier Education Foundation, shared his heartfelt reflections on spending time with the students. He said: “Before coming here, I had imagined that, because of the suffering caused by illness and the misfortunes some experienced in their families, the children might appear reserved, quiet, or even somewhat subdued. However, when I actually arrived, what I saw was completely different. Every child greeted us with sincere and radiant smiles, full of vitality and hope. I believe the reason the children are able to live so happily lies in three main factors. First, it is thanks to the attentive care and dedication of the teachers at the school. The bond between teachers and students feels just like family affection—warm, deep, and unwavering. Second, it reflects the progress of our times. As public understanding of HIV/AIDS has improved and treatment medications have advanced, the disease can now be effectively controlled. Meanwhile, society has become increasingly inclusive, creating a more relaxed and friendly environment in which the children can grow. Third, it comes from the children themselves—their strong inner life force, optimistic attitudes, and courageous spirit have deeply moved me. I sincerely hope that all of you will continue to maintain this sense of optimism and resilience, move forward bravely, pursue your dreams with courage, and embrace an even brighter future.” He concluded by encouraging the students to carry their optimism and perseverance into the years ahead and to keep striving toward their life goals.

Wang Xia, Principal of the Linfen Red Ribbon School, stated: “The film carries out a form of public-welfare awareness through the story of a family affected by HIV/AIDS in a way that truly reaches people’s hearts. Looking back 20 years ago, HIV/AIDS was regarded as a frightening ‘devil,’ and people reacted with panic and avoidance whenever it was mentioned. Today, however, medicine has achieved major breakthroughs. Effective mother-to-child transmission prevention and blocking treatments have been realized, and society has become far more inclusive and understanding. This is undoubtedly a tremendous leap forward. Such changes have helped more and more people gain a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of HIV/AIDS. At present, we urgently need to eliminate discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. Every infected individual—especially children affected by HIV/AIDS—deserves greater love and acceptance. I sincerely hope that all sectors of society will offer more care and support, enabling them to feel the warmth of the community.”

Guo Xiaoping, founder and former principal of the Linfen Red Ribbon School, looked back emotionally on the many years the school has spent alongside the Changier Foundation. He noted that the children of the Red Ribbon School have grown up happily and healthily with the long-term companionship of the Beijing Changier Education Foundation. As a direct witness to events related to the film and to the history of the school, Guo Xiaoping reflected that widespread fear of HIV/AIDS in earlier years brought misfortune to many families and children. Fortunately, thanks to years of public awareness campaigns led by the Party, the government, and all sectors of society, people’s attitudes toward HIV/AIDS have gradually become calmer and more rational. Filled with affection and hope, Guo Xiaoping encouraged the students, saying: “You are a piece of clean land. The HIV/AIDS virus was once like a hateful seed—an unfortunate seed that fell upon you. Yet under the sustained support of the nation and society, you have received guarantees of treatment, opportunities to study, and care in everyday life, which makes you also remarkably fortunate. I hope you will always remember the message ‘HIV/AIDS must stop with me,’ and carry it in your hearts. Face life bravely and fearlessly, move forward with gratitude, and never harm others or pass on pain. Let scientific understanding replace prejudice, and let love guide your future. Always keep a thankful heart—and above all, never do anything that hurts another person.”

To faithfully and realistically present the story, the creative team behind Changier previously carried out in-depth field research at the Linfen Red Ribbon School. They communicated face to face with teachers and students, weaving vivid everyday details into the language of the camera. As a result, Changier is not only an educational film, but also a sincere record of life and love. When students saw familiar figures and emotions reflected on screen, genuine resonance emerged naturally between the film and its audience.