C is for Life
“C is for Life” is a script for a short HIV prevention film targeting Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) in Thailand where the prevalence of HIV has reached 30% amongst MSM in recent years in some parts of the country. This script was originally written mid 2007 and only a few cosmetic changes have been made to this version.
Then, I had in mind something that would look like a movie trailer and that could be used online by website targeting MSM. The feature had to be relatively short but fast paced and driven by rhythmic music both Thai and Western. As the penetration of the internet has increased in Thailand and is becoming a key mode of interaction for MSM, though still overlooked, it had the potential to reach a much larger audience than that reached by conventional approaches such as printed ads (or TV ads which are non-existent, but do we see any in the West?).
The title contains a pun on C for condom and for “Chiwit”, the Thai word for life, though I can’t guarantee that the translation of the full title in Thai is accurate (suggestions welcome). The storyline is quite straightforward but still innovative in the local context. At least it would have been then and this advert produced by a local organisation can be used for comparison. The two guys I had in mind for the roles of Koh and Wichai are both regulars of beauty contests and would have been very good to draw attention considering the number of contests both have win and still win!
The story is based on real situations» with the prevention component given more emphasis. The idea is that condom use should be something natural, but at the same time, the messaging should not be too clever. I know of several prevention interventions that are failing for being either too “arty” or too clever.
Unfortunately, this project never saw the light of day, mostly because I did not have the strength to persevere with it and I was moving back to Europe. It is free for anyone to take, to built upon, or to reconstruct!
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There is only one improbable fact in this script, which is that I have never seen a condom vending machine in Bangkok or in Thailand but in one occasion, in the toilet of the UNESCO.
(First, there are condom vending machines all over Bangkok – esp in gay places like saunas and bars thanks to work of PSI 2 years back.)
Saw this and wondering who you are and what's status of this film you wrote. Thailand is now part of Global Fund 8 and getting significant money for MSM work, through Rainbow Sky (I am on the Board).
Please send some info and/or the script. I would like to see.
Also I am involved with APCOM (http://www.msmasia.org)as a consultant. So who knows what might happen, synthetically.
thanks for this post! – Paul
PS – The 'contact' script here sucks – I could not download nor use that plug in CATCHA.
Dear Paul,
I left BKK less than two years ago and I would be glad if things had changed. However during my last visit in December 08-Januray 09, condom-vending machines had not reached Soi 4 or DJ (or they were well hidden if they had), nor the saunas I visited in Bangkok (though condoms were provided at the entrance) and in Chiang Mai, there was no condoms at all provided in the best known sauna.
I will email you separately about the script and try to fix the Captcha!
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