Third "Remember Eliphas" Film Launched in Namibia

August 11, 2010 -- Sounds of collective gasping, laughing, and cheering echoed from the mouths of soldiers, senior Namibian cabinet ministers and top brass from Namibia’s Ministry of Defence/Namibian Defence Force (MOD/NDF) in attendance during the official movie premiere for Remember Eliphas III, Marching Forward, held today in Windhoek.

The yearlong production process, which included script writing, a 3-week video shoot at multiple locations in Namibia, original music composition, and post-production in Windhoek, was managed by I-TECH Namibia on behalf of the MOD/NDF with funding from PEPFAR through the Department of Defence HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP).

"The Remember Eliphas films really are the best thing to happen for our military personnel,”  said Major Abraham Ngondhela, about Namibia’s award-winning Eliphas series. The series follows the life of fictional soldier Eliphas Elago, who tested positive and disclosed his HIV status in Remember Eliphas parts I and II.  Marching Forward follows Eliphas as he faces a serious family problem. It also introduces a new military character who is in need of Eliphas’ well-honed peer education skills as he grapples with his own HIV status.

“Soldiers are enthusiastic about the storyline, and we see a lot of behavior change really happening,” Ngondhela said.

The goal of the educational films, according to MOD HIV Unit Coordinator Lt. Col Mariane Muvangua, is to “get soldiers to imagine themselves living in the shoes of the characters and to change their behavior for the positive.” 

Some soldiers may relate to Eliphas, who has learned to change his behavior during the series– abstaining from alcohol, remaining faithful to his wife and adhering to his treatment plan. But others may relate more to his more rowdy friend Mathias, whose risky behaviors form a centerpiece of the plot in Marching Forward.  

Veteran Namibian actor Banana Shekupe returned for the role of Eliphas in Marching Forward. Three other well-known Nambian actors reprised their roles in Marching Forward, while 97 percent of the remaining lead, secondary and ‘extra’ roles were played by Namibian military personnel. The shoot process itself, which took place on military bases and even included the use of a helicopter for the opening scene, helped to spark important conversations as dozens of soldiers gathered to watch the actors being filmed as they talked about HIV-related issues. And the film, with a compelling plot that engages audiences on its own merits, also grabs the attention of Namibian soldiers for another reason–they are anxious to catch glimpses of their friends! Dozens of soldiers played small roles in many of the film's scenes.

Shooting a bar scene with Namibian soldiers as extras.

For the first time in the Remember Eliphas educational series, the Marching Forward DVD package includes a tailored Discussion Guide insert, which is designed to help facilitators lead discussion groups with fellow military personnel about behavior change strategies.

“Eliphas showed us, by his behavior, the importance of family support and the role of the whole community to tackle the misconception and prejudice against people and family affected by HIV and AIDS,” Major General (retired) Charles Namholo said in a speech to the audience at the film's launch. The event was attended by multiple dignitaries, including the Ambassador of the United States of America to Namibia, Ms. Denise Mathieu.

In addition to the film handover, Ambassador Mathieu also officially handed over a vehicle to the NDF for its Outreach, HIV Counseling, and Testing, Treatment Care and Support Services.  She paid tribute to the commitment of the MOD/NDF and noted the success of efforts coordinated by I-TECH Namibia’s DoD program, which, in addition to funding Marching Forward and the procurement of the outreach vehicle, also launched three counseling and testing centers and an ARV clinic for the military within the past two years.

One of the event’s keynote speakers, Major General Namholo, expressed his gratitude. “This kind of intervention and support extended by the Government of the United States [and] the dedication and hard work...by the rank and file of the military personnel means I no longer have to spend most of my weekends attending funerals of NDF/MOD staff and their family members.”