Combining Researcher, Clinical and Personal Roles: Enrichment or Confusion?

The film project showed that the production and use of films is feasible and indeed, rather easy. We demonstrated that at least in the tested environment, films can have spectacular acceptability. We are satisfied that uncomplicated films with direct messages are easily perceived and understood by people who have had no prior exposure to cinema. But, we also learned that a program of this sort cannot work without fuel and will not be successful without enthusiastic and dedicated medical support. Unfortunately, filming is expensive and the results are likely to be slow in coming in traditional societies. Cost-effectiveness analysis is certain to be unfavorable in terms of early results. Cost-acceptor ratios will be high. We would argue from our experience that there is a place for the use of films in situations resembling those of Idjwi. Our argument is based more on experience and intuition than on hard data, but there are data which are supportive. Given logistical support and an enthusiastic health service which will dedicate substantial time, then we are convinced that films can be instrumental in effecting changes in information, attitude, and behavior that can be keystones in family planning programs.