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Sep 18 2009

Vietnam’s first film on domestic violence produced with support from Sweden

The TV series “The Ideal and the Real” is one of the initial outcomes of the project funded by Sweden in support of efforts for the acceptance of the rights of lesbians and gays and anti-domestic violence. The Centre for Studies and applied Sciences in Gender-Family-Women and Adolescents (CSAGA) is the implementating partner.

“The Ideal and the Real” features a middle class family in which the father is an ideal man in the eyes of his colleagues and friends but at home he is an abusive father.

Speaking to the reporters, Ms Nguyen Van Anh, the Chairwoman of CSAGA said that it is important to realize that domestic violence occurs in all contexts. She emphasised: “The way to success in combating domestic violence is to support a change in men’s behaviour as well as supporting victims.” Ms Van Anh called on the journalists to play their role in making sure that new legislation on domestic violence is implemented and in creating a forum to raise people’s awareness of domestic violence and a strong wave against domestic violence in any form.

The Swedish ambassador, Mr. Rolf Bergman informed the Vietnamese reporters of Sweden’s movement for gender equality, which started in 1960s as well as the role of Swedish men in this movement. Mr. Bergman added:  “I firmly believe that gender equality is not a “women’s issue” or something that only concerns women. No, it is something that we, men should fight for as well. It is crucial to realize that both men and women are affected by stereotypes and expected behaviour.”

Sweden is pleased to partly support the production of the first ever series about domestic violence in Vietnam, considering it an important step in reducing domestic violence levels in the country. The other financier is ArtAction.

“The Ideal and the Real” is aired on O2 TV channel on September 14-18 and will be re-broadcast three times on the same channel. Following the show, there will be a forum for the viewers to discuss the film and to express their opinions about the behaviours of the characters in the film.

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