Siwir Enba (Hidden Tears) – Ethiopia
Siwir Enba (Hidden Tears) is an Ethiopian film depicting the real-life tragedy being brought about by HIV/AIDS. It was first broadcast across the country in January 2004. The documentary portrays the lives of women in Ethiopia who have become victims of discrimination and stigma because they are HIV positive. The organiser says the film tells of the impact of stigma. The documentary addresses the stigma and discrimination prompted by the virus and the threat posed by HIV/AIDS.
Communication Strategies
The 45-minute film was first shown to government ministers and campaigners fighting HIV at a special screening in the capital, Addis Ababa. It was then broadcast on state television. It will also be shown in villages around the country, using cinema projectors and further distributed to NGOs. "We have around 1,500 copies of the film to disseminate it to other areas of the country so that they can see the film as well. We expect around 2 million people will see the film." Ethiopian Education Minister Genet Zewde said she is considering using the film as an educational tool in the country's schools.
The film portrays women who have been stigmatised and reflects the situation of Ethiopian women, economically, socially and politically. The film shows the damage that society is doing by discriminating against women who are HIV positive. "These are real issues, these are true stories and they depict how traditional and harmful practices can have a negative effect on the lives of women."
The film portrays women who have been stigmatised and reflects the situation of Ethiopian women, economically, socially and politically. The film shows the damage that society is doing by discriminating against women who are HIV positive. "These are real issues, these are true stories and they depict how traditional and harmful practices can have a negative effect on the lives of women."
Development Issues
HIV/AIDS
Key Points
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has had a crippling effect on Ethiopia, where, according to government estimates, some 2.2 million people are living with HIV.
The documentary was aimed at raising awareness. The organisers say they produced the film because they thought it was the best medium to change the outlook, to make an impact. They believe it is easier to absorb information if it is a film.
"In Ethiopia, especially in the rural areas, many people cannot read, so we needed a method that reached them as well. In Ethiopia we say seeing is believing and pictures have a more powerful message than words."
The documentary was aimed at raising awareness. The organisers say they produced the film because they thought it was the best medium to change the outlook, to make an impact. They believe it is easier to absorb information if it is a film.
"In Ethiopia, especially in the rural areas, many people cannot read, so we needed a method that reached them as well. In Ethiopia we say seeing is believing and pictures have a more powerful message than words."
Partners
The Ethiopian government's HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office, the US-backed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Walta Information Centre, an Ethiopian media outlet.
Sources
AllAfrica.Com website on January 22 2004
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