A documentary film made in China about the children affected by AIDS won an Oscar Sunday at the 79th Academy Awards.

After receiving their trophies, the filmmakers behind the documentary The Blood of the Yingzhou District said they hope their victory will help improve the plight of Chinese children afflicted with HIV and AIDS.

"It was a very emotional journey for me" to make the film in China, as it's very difficult to open oneself up to inner feelings, Ruby Yang said backstage at the Kodak Theater.

Yang said she and co-producer Thomas Lennon also had a difficult time in the editing room because there were so many sad segments, resulting in numerous shouting matches over what to let go and what to put in.

Lennon said that he and Yang are working on a series of public service announcements to bring HIV awareness to China.

"We hope the attention given to the film will sustain many of the brave organizations helping to fight against AIDS," he said.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2007)