Cambodia’s Palace of Dreams

Cambodia

In "one of the biggest Cambodian movie events of the year" the BBC World Service Trust last month launched Palace of Dreams, a powerful feature film starring some of Cambodia's top young actors to promote safe sex and educate young Cambodians about HIV and AIDS.

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In this opening clip, three young men travel to the city to seek their fortune in order to win the heart of the girl they all love.

HIV and AIDS in Cambodia

We desperately need personalised representations of groups of vulnerable people

Caroline Francis, Overseas Health International

Despite a decline in HIV rates overall in Cambodia, there is no room for complacency, especially for young people. Infection rates are highest among under 24 year olds, and targeting 15-24 year olds ahead of their first and early sexual experiences is a top priority in addressing HIV and AIDS in the country.

The majority of the population is under 21, and the film hopes to reach particularly vulnerable groups of young people who have specific needs in terms of HIV prevention addressed in the film.

This approach was welcomed by health experts: "We desperately need personalised representations of groups of vulnerable people" said Caroline Francis, of Overseas Health International's HIV prevention programme in an interview for the BBC World Service.

These groups include out-of-school youth, including the 47% who work for a living - often far from home; couples who say they trust their partners and don't use condoms; female entertainment workers; men who have sex with men, whose HIV prevalence is over five times the national average.

The BBC World Service Trust HIV prevention project in Cambodia has produced a range of television and radio programmes based on thorough research. These include TV and radio spots, weekly radio phone-in shows and TV documentaries for community education.

The film was launched in Phnom Penh on October 10th and and so far 8000 young people have watched the feature at screenings at selected cinemas free of charge in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Kampongcham.

Palace of Dreams is supported by The Global Fund 5.