Unlocking Love / Domin Nakloke Film Series

Every year billions are spent on communication tools that fail to change behavior. The practice of using drama to influence social and behavior change is well documented (Nariman, 1993. Soap Operas for Social Change). However, there is a widespread perception that big budgets are needed to make films successful. In Timor-Leste (a resource-poor environment), Ba Futuru is exploring the effectiveness of low-budget EE films in changing norms related to GBV.

Background

GBV is a widespread public health problem. In Timor-Leste a 2016 Nabilan (Ending Violence Against Women) study found that 59% of women who have been in a relationship have experienced physical and/or sexual violence.

EE films have the potential for wide reach at relatively low-cost due to the expansion in use of social media and smart phones, and increased tv consumption in Timor-Leste. The Domin Nakloke (Unlocking Love) film series was created with locally relevant stories targeting firstly Timorese young men (as the key to GBV prevention). The episodes engage and educate the audience on issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, and healthy relationships. The series balances realistic and aspirational scenarios to show negative consequences; to promote dialogue; and to share voices of champions of violence prevention through talk shows.

This was the first cross media EE intervention in Timor-Leste that was broadcast via social media and television, with viewer groups to evaluate its impact. The films immediately went viral on Facebook, with the first episode receiving more than 20,000 views in 24 hours. Now there have been 200,000 views on Facebook across the 3 episodes, and more on YouTube and other media outlets. A media campaign promoting the films on Facebook, through billboards and actor debuts at high profile events like the Dili International Marathon, Ba Futuru’s Annual Gala event, PeaceJam Youth Leadership Conference, Youth Peace Concerts and the PHD launch have helped to hype the series. We also had more than 1,200 calls requesting more episodes.

Viewer groups were held and pre and post surveys were conducted with 186 students aged 17-20.

Young men reported:  

“I never knew what sexual harassment is but from this film and the talk show it helped me to understand types of sexual violence and sexual harassment. I sometimes join my male friends giving negative comments to girls at school. This film made me regret my actions and it also made me realize that I should not do this. Now I will stand up when I see people sexual harassing others.”  

“These films are really good as they provide very strong key messages that educate and transform our minds and behavior. I used to frequently control my girlfriend with physical violence, and this film made me realize that what I have done towards her is unacceptable.”  

“These films let us know that domestic violence is a public crime and even if the victim does not raise a case, other people should report it to the police, and if this happens the perpetrator can be sent to jail.”  Before viewing 40% of respondents agreed that if people are married then it is okay to force their partner to have sex, after watching the films this fell to 9%.

In follow-up surveys, all of those interviewed reported: having changed their behaviors due to the films, having shared information with their friends from the films (45% of males reported that they had reminded other males to not sexually harass others, and 75% reported that they reminded others to not use violence against their romantic partner). 

These results demonstrate the power of a film series to increase knowledge and shift attitudes around healthy relationships showing what can work in this field. The low budget shows that EE films area a compelling choice for a social and behavior change medium in resource poor settings like Timor-Leste. Early next year the series will be expanded to tackle additional issues, we hope to include episodes on keeping girls in school, adolescent pregnancy, early marriage, trafficking and more.