A local filmmaker is hoping to make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS with his new movie.

Filmmaker Rafael Ragland's latest release doesn't have a roster of Hollywood stars or a multimillion dollar budget, but the plot is packed with real-life drama aimed at reaching those at risk of contracting HIV.

Known for producing movies shot on the streets of Madison and telling stories that strike a cord with audiences, Madison-based 608TV is continuing its mission with its latest release, "Fraternal."

"When I thought about 'Fraternal,' I thought, 'Let me use some names that are popular and makes people say what's this about?'" Ragland said.

Using brothers, Cain and Able, he gives the story a modern twist by showing how HIV and AIDS can affect people's lives.

"I thought, 'What can I do? What can I do to make people aware of what's going on, and could be happening right here in our community?'" Ragland said.

Connie Townsend works at the Beloit Area Community Health Center to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

"Whether you're old, young, black, white -- the awareness needs to be out there," Townsend said.

Every year, she and Yolonda Carroll-Hendrix, community outreach and education coordinator at the Beloit Area Community Health Center, give more than 30 presentations to schools and community groups throughout Rock County.

"Every 9 1/2 minutes someone gets infected. I definitely try and get that message across," Townsend said.

The risk of being infected with HIV is one in 32 for black women and one in 526 for white and Asian women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"If you are at high risk, have had unprotected sex, you need to get tested. Get tested and take it from there," Carroll-Hendrix said.

The Beloit Area Community Health Center offers a sliding fee as well as rapid HIV testing, so Carroll-Hendrix said there's no excuse for people not to know their status.

Ragland said his phone hasn't stopped ringing since the Madison area has had a chance to see his movie, and he's pleased it's moving people to take action.

"Some people don't learn from hearing; they learn from seeing," he said. "My work is yet to be done or really started, so I'm just glad the impact is really touching people, my movies and my stories are touching people."

The first screening of "Fraternal" is sold out. Another showing is scheduled for Nov. 5 at 9 p.m. at Market Square Cinema, 6604 Odana Road in Madison. It's rated PG-13. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the box office or in advance through 608TV's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/608TV.