Film Sex and Chocolate launched on 11 May 2001
Do you know whether you are part of a sexual network?
What decision would you make when you find out that your boyfriend is cheating on you?
What if you were just 21 years old and a student at UNam?
Would you have the courage to walk away from your first true love if he was cheating?
Are you sure?
Every choice has consequences - What will your choice be?
Think Twice is a joint project of the Gender Research and Advocacy Project at the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) and the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO). It comprises two films following the journey of young people.
‘Sex and Chocolate’ is the first DVD to be released and was launched at UNAM on Wednesday 11 May at 12h00. The second film, ‘Teddy Bear Love’, will be released and launched in June.
In the film ‘Sex and Chocolate’, Lucy (El-Juanita Philander), a student at UNAM, is in love with David (West Uarije), but David is not faithful and doesn’t always remember to use condoms. What should Lucy do? Should she stay with David, and run the risk of getting hurt? Should she break up with him, despite the fact that she loves him? And how do you break up with someone whom you see everyday in class?
‘While the film hints at important issues such as HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy, it does not directly deal with those issues’, says Philippe Talavera, director. ‘We felt many films have already addressed those issues. We chose to rather look at the dynamic of relationships among young Namibians at University. If a girl knows her boyfriend is not faithful, why would she stay with him? Is it OK to be single? Or is it better to be in a relationship, even if that relationship is not fulfilling? Can David change? Does he understand he is hurting Lucy? The film focuses on the relationship between Lucy and David.’
The story has two endings, depending on the choices made by the protagonists. The device used to show the two alternative scenarios is modelled on the Hollywood film Sliding Doors where the storyline splits and alternates between the two scenarios and the viewer watches how the plots diverge. The audience see the consequences of both decisions and it is up to the viewer to decide what decision they hope they would make in life.
‘The film is about more than just deciding whether or not to date a particular guy. It is about how social norms and culture can affect the decisions we make. Can a young girl who is socialised to be submissive find the assertiveness say no in a relationship? What does it mean for your self-esteem if you know that you are someone’s “second choice” in a relationship? Are informal sexual networks the new polygamy in Namibia? The film considers these questions and many more in a realistic and provocative story,’ says Dianne Hubbard, one of the producers of the film.
The making of the Think Twice package was a participatory process. Six talented young people (Riaan AFRIKANER, Evelina ASHIPALA, Elmarie KAPUNDA, Norman KAPUNDA, Dennis !KHARUCHAB and Lydia NDHIKWA) were invited to help develop the scripts and so the two stories in the series have a strong Namibian feel. The scripts were then presented as plays and taken on tour to schools in Windhoek, the Kavango region and the Ohangwena region before being transformed into films. Almost 9000 people saw the two plays on tour. The participatory process of testing and development has ensured that the content of the films are a good reflection of the views and concerns of young people in Namibia.
Two comments from youth who have seen the preview are given below:
We boys mustn’t love girls just because we want to have sex with them, we must also respect girls like we respect ourselves.
learner, 15, Dr. Romanus Kampungu SSSThe play brought a good message for school learners, so that they can decide on what is really good for them.
learner, 19, Mwadikange Kaulinge SSAlso starring Dennis !Kharuchab and Ester Leopord, the film was shot on location at the University of Namibia (UNAM). Well-known cameraperson Linda Louw was seconded by Matias Kamati. Wotjek Majewski did the sound, Vincent Mboku edited the movie and Sonja Majewski created the music. Philippe Talavera (OYO) directed the film, and shared responsibility for its production with Rachel Coomer and Dianne Hubbard (LAC). This film was made possible by the generous support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HIVOS and the Ministry of Health and Social Services through the Global Fund Programme
Read some of the responses from the media:
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