'Protection': International HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Film
AMHERST, Mass., Oct. 14 - Hampshire College literature and gender studies professor Jill Lewis is executive producer of a new film being used to increase
HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention among men and boys in sub-Saharan African countries.
"Protection: A Film About Men and Condoms in the Time of HIV and AIDS" explores the challenges of sexual protection faced by men and boys in sub-Saharan Africa,
where over 22.5 million people live with HIV. The film was shot in South Africa, Kenya, and Sierra Leone.
In an attempt to reach as many people as possible, versions are available in Chichewa, Zulu, Swahili, Hausa, English, Portuguese, and French. Made in collaboration
with the South African NGO Sonke Gender Justice Network, the film was funded by Norad, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
"Protection" seeks to raise questions, without moralizing, about sexual realities and attitudes toward condoms. Central to the film is the perception of condom usage
in the region and how this affects the spread of the virus.
Professor Lewis worked with a team that included director Francois Verster and producer Neil Brandt in conjunction with Fireworx Media.
The Hampshire professor has been focused on using education as a tool against the spread of HIV for more than two decades, collaborating with numerous international
governmental and nongovernmental agencies in a variety of programs.
At Hampshire College, the framework for her Living for Tomorrow course is based on an international HIV-prevention action/research project that she designed and
led with youth in Estonia. Her Hampshire students are frequently involved as collaborators in educational projects.
DVDs of "Protection" will be provided free to HIV prevention organizations and projects in sub-Saharan African countries.
For more about the film, visit
http://www.protectionthefilm.com .
More information on Jill Lewis and her educational work on HIV prevention: http://www.hampshire.edu/faculty/jlewis.htm .
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CONTACT:
Elaine Thomas,
Hampshire College Communications,
413-559-5482
Reproduced with permission - "HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE "
HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE
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