Work has begun on filming a new soap opera in Timor Leste aimed at building peace in the country.
The soap opera, part of an IOM programme funded by the European Commission (EC) aimed at enhancing stability in Timor Leste through the sustainable reintegration of internally displaced people (IDPs), follows the fortune of two orphaned brothers who move to the capital seeking fame and fortune. Instead, they find their new neighbourhood in turmoil.
While the recent closure of the country's tented IDP camps resolved primary issues of displacement, the government recognises that many of the underlying causes of community conflict remain unresolved.
The soap opera, which supports the government's peace-building initiatives, is expected to generate healthy dialogue on issues such as regionalism, domestic violence, land disputes, generation gaps and loss of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, such as ceremonies between conflicting parties and the Lia Nian (village chief of justice).
Using drama, the soap opera will show how problems can be solved constructively through mediation, with support from the community and state.
Although it is an educational drama, each episode will be packed with action, romance and memorable characters to catch the attention of a public eager to see stories of Timor portrayed on the screen. The dedicated Timorese crew and cast come from a variety of different backgrounds, and bring energy, commitment and creativity to the development of the new nation.
The show will span 20 episodes, totalling 10 hours of air-time, and is scheduled for broadcast at the start of 2010.
For more information, please contact Katharine Bryant at IOM Dili, Tel: +670 7465134, Email: kbryant@iom.int
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