Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership (DCGEP) is known for transforming the lives of millions of students around the world with the use of media as part of the classroom experience in its innovative Learning Centers. However, last week, DCGEP began production in South Africa on a new project — Inside Story: The Science of HIV/AIDS.

The film combines non-fiction and fiction storytelling to unravel the science behind of the disease, and it will premiere in time for World AIDS Day later this year. DCGEP’s Aric Noboa and Theo Smith are currently on the ground in Johannesburg and, with the talented team at Curious Productions, director Rolie Nikiwe and an all-star cast, they are making waves with a completely new approach to HIV/AIDS education.

Inside Story follows the journey of Kalu, a Kenyan soccer player on his way to South Africa. He falls in love with the coach’s daughter and finds out he is HIV positive. Consequently along the way, Kalu takes us on an journey inside his body, demystifying HIV/AIDS.

Thanks to the generous support of PEPFAR, Chevron, The South African Department of Trade and Industry, Access Bank and SEACOM (in addition to Discovery), the film will be produced and distributed across sub-Saharan Africa — giving people information that they can use to make informed decisions about their health. Aric has recounted for me several times the reactions he’s witnessed first hand to screening test animations from the film with South African audiences, including an HIV-positive man who broke into tears at finally being shown the disease he is living with daily. This is only an indication of the power of film, and Inside Story in particular.

Meet some of the cast from Inside Story below and make sure to like Inside Story on Facebook and to follow DCGEP on Twitter to get updates from the set and more!

All photos courtesy of Ian Christmann for Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership