The evening of April 21 was an "exciting time," says Blake Ellis, co-ordinator of the Burntwood Regional Healthy Authority (BRHA) in a May 4 press release for those who were involved in the development of a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness video that was created by youth for youth. The Basement Bijou of Thompson's Public Library was packed with young people, parents, and interested community members as the film Get It On was premiered.
The project began a year ago when the Safer Choices Northern Network (SCNN) responded to a call out for funding submissions from the Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy (TUAS) with a proposal to create a community awareness project and gather local youth to produce a health promotion video. TUAS graciously believed in the project and with the support of the Burntwood Regional Health Authority (BRHA), and RDPC, SCNN began to seek out youth participants. A diverse cast and crew of young people between the ages of 12-19 from Thompson were assembled.
The 14-minute film was directed by Jim Sanders, an independent film producer based in Winnipeg, and the initial screenplay from which the finished product was adapted was written by Emily Lamontagne, an RDPC student. The aim of the STI awareness and prevention video is to increase overall awareness of safer choices related to safer sex, STIs, HIV/AIDS, harm reduction, positive sexual health promotion and healthy relationships.
The cast included Amalia Pope, Scott Cordell, Ryki Deslauriers, Dean Nilghe, Thea McCallum, Nicole Walsh who was also the SCNN project coordinator and Nancy Vystrcil, the SCNN chairperson and STI Prevention Coordinator for the BRHA. The supporting cast and crew included Crystal Sayies Heis, Delaney Therens, Jean Pierre Desrochers, Warner Dumas, Emily Lamontagne, Darion Latchman, Leah Marcinyshyn, Victoria Hykawy and Evan Bercier.
The participants researched information on STIs, attended several mini educational sessions and were given plenty of STI resource materials. The group met weekly for approximately three months in preparation for production weekend. This video project was an educational experience for the youth involved, as they were able to utilize their creative abilities in writing and editing a script; and then subsequently acting in the video. Each was able to participate in the filming process in some way. It was apparent that the entire working experience affected the youth's social development and ultimately may have enhanced their academic success through fostering a sense of empowerment and responsibility. All the youth involved were individually recognized for their unique qualities and continued contribution to the film during the evening event.
Individuals or organizations do not need to be an expert in the area of sexual health to facilitate this video educational session with their group, however, Vystrcil stated that the session must be tailored to the learning needs of the group and that responsible follow-up from the video is needed. This is why a facilitator's guide has been created in collaboration with Teen Talk - Manitoba. It will aid in suggestions for discussion with groups, and provide interactive explanations for themes seen in the video. The guide will soon be available on the BRHA website.
