Hong Kong has seen a 124 percent rise in reported HIV infections among MSM from 50 in 2003 to 112 in 2006. For the first time since early 1990s, the number of MSM reports has overtaken that of heterosexual men in 2005 and 2006.

To increase awareness of HIV/AIDS among gay men in the territory, organisers of the Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival are calling for entries for its "Gay men & safer sex" or "Gay men & HIV/AIDS" short film contest.

According to Dr Albert Au of Hong Kong's Red Ribbon Centre, the co-organiser of the contest, the major rise in number of new cases was from the age group of 25 - 44 years.

The centre, which is part of Hong Kong's Department of Health, also noted a sharp rise in the proportion of MSM found to be HIV positive, from less than 1 percent in 2002 to 2.5 per cent in 2005 in outreach settings.

Dr Au told Fridae: "In 2006, two large clusters of HIV-1 Subtype B infection with similar gene sequencing affecting men were detected. Homosexual and bisexual contacts were the commonest modes of transmission in these two clusters and they provided supportive evidence on the rise of HIV infections among MSM."

The detection of a cluster of HIV infection suggests the presence of a rapid and local HIV transmission among the affected people.

"We want to raise the awareness of the public (in particular the gay community) on the risk of HIV/AIDS in MSM and to promote safer sex practice among MSM in a 'soft' manner. We think the HIV prevention message can be dissolved and integrated into this kind of cultural and leisure activity. We hope this project can foster greater involvement of the gay community in HIV prevention."

Meanwhile, Bryan Chan, who's the organiser of the contest and an events organising consultant for the HKLGFF, hopes for the contest to generate debate and discussion about HIV/AIDS in the MSM community.

He told Fridae: "Hong Kong's gays are not really wanting to face the HIV/AIDS problem; they know the 'disease' but don't take it seriously. They know the 'illness' is spreading but don't really think about how to stop it. They know what is meant by 'safer sex' but they don't fully follow the process."

He added: "Let's take HIV testing as an example, many gays think it is not necessary, they think they look fine and find many excuses for themselves such as: no sex life lately… but they might have already been infected and could have been infecting others unknowingly."

Although open to filmmakers of any nationality, the 5 - 30 minute film must be shot in Hong Kong and must not be broadcasted publicly nor entered in any competition and festival. The closing date is May 31, 2007 before 5pm. Prizes include HK$ 9000 (Grand prize), HK$7000 (2nd prize), HK$5000 (3rd prize) and three Merit Awards (HK$3000). Winning entries will be shown in a cinema and at the 2007 HKLGFF.

For competition details and application form please visit www.hklgff.hk or email bryanchan@hklgff.hk.