The First Step

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Summary: In the course of one family’s day, the parents and their children independently come to the conclusion that it’s time to have a discussion about HIV/AIDS. The problem is … who will take the first step?

Sample topics for discussion:

1) Why do some parents find it so hard to talk to their children about sex and AIDS?

2) Give a parent some advice on how to start “that discussion” with their children. Be creative!

Directed by Abderrahmane Sissako, Mauritania

Based on original ideas by Sanwé Médard Kiénou, aged 20, Burkina Faso (photo at right); Liliane Sipouwoua, aged 18, Cameroon; and Carmelle Nadège Hounnou, aged 20, Benin

• Length: 6 minutes 26 seconds
• Production date: 2004
• Shot in Bamako, Mali
• Currently available in: American Sign Language, Dioula, English, Fon, French, Igbo, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, Lingala, Mina, Mooré, Portuguese, Pulaar, Twi, Wolof, and Yoruba.

Please click here to view and download photos from the shoot of the film The First Step.

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