Promoting Gender Equality Through Film INTRODUCTION:
Urban population is growing in Laos as economic reforms offer work and education opportunities amidst complicated social and cultural trends. Many young men and women from rural areas relocate to the Capital to look for work, education andlife changing opportunities. Their lives have faced a lot of challenges. These challenges can be grouped economically, socially and culturallynot limited to low income, and sexual identity and sexual orientation.

Economic, Social <(>&<)> Cultural Challenges:
The Lao population is scattered unevenly throughout the country (Laos Guide 999, 2014). Approximately one third (27%) of the country#s populationcurrently lives in urban areas, while the rest of the population (73%) lives in rural areas, depending onfarming, fishing and natural resources for survival (Laos Guide 999, 2014). According to UN Human Development Report 2009, only 73% of Lao#s adult population can read and write, and that there are more illiterate woman than men (United Nations, 2009). Causes of female illiteracy fluctuate across provinces and among the different ethnic groups, but poverty, distance, costs and traditional beliefs tend to be the main factors (United Nations, 2009). Other factors consist of the affliction of household chores,early marriage or pregnancy (United Nations, 2009). There are also gaps in terms of education between high income and low income earners. Income disparities have widened in recent years, and populations living in remote areas are the most disadvantagedfrom services (Poverty Equality <(>&<)> Reduction, 2015)

Sexual Identity <(>&<)> Orientation Challenges:
As Lao is a socialist country with a small population (just over 6 million), it has no public or commercialized sex scene, whether it be #gay# #lesbian#, #bisexual#, or #transgender# (UNESCO Bangkok, 2008). While there are numerous influence on popular display of sexuality, which are both locally and internationally driven, individuals that consider themselves #lesbian#, #gay#, #bisexual#, or #transgender# inevitably poses challenges living in a heterosexist society (UNESCO Bangkok, 2008). Many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people face social stigma, heterosexism, violence and discrimination (American Psychology Association, 2015). According to the American Psychology Association 2015, stigma is defined as #a negative social attitude or social disapproval directed toward a characteristic of a person# and heterosexism is defined as #the ideological system that denies any non-heterosexual form of behaviour, identity and behaviour#.
Social stigma, heterosexism, violence and discrimination not only confirms the society#s negative attitude towards non-heterosexuality and transexuality, but also causes minority social stress, such as verbal and physical abuse, that can ultimately lead to low self-esteem, depression, psychological distress, physical health, intimacy, relationship quality and career development (American Psychology Association, 2015).
SUMMARY:
DOKLAO Center in partnership LNWC (Lao New Wave Cinema Production) would like to produce a romantic drama film on lives of six young people that are weaved together through a conflict of their culture, beliefs and gender orientation. The film will reflect cultural differences and gender inequality through the lives of these young people from different ethnic backgrounds working in the capital, Vientiane. The film will also shed light on the underlying perception and sensitivities that society has towards the life decisions and actions the six young people make.

This fictional film is estimated length of 90-100 minutes, shooting in High Definition format, produced and directed by crewmembers from DOKLAO Center and Lao New Wave Cinema Productions, and Lao people play the cast.

DOKLAO ORGANISATIONALBACKGROUND:

Established in 2008, DOKLAO is a Media Centre operating in the support of Participatory Development Training Center (PADETC). PADETC being an indigenous and all-Lao organisation operates with the objective of Education for Sustainable Development for the population of Laos. Focused on encouraging changes towards a #Livable Society# in Laos through holistic education development, PADETC is DOKLAO#s main supporting agent.

Highly experienced in developing media productions, DOKLAO aims to distribute pressing issues associated with the impact of human activities on the natural environment, and critical surroundings related to the quality of life and standards of living in Laos. DOKLAO allows rural populations in Lao access to knowledge on these topics. DOKLAO also provides training on the subject of Media Production to students, youth and government officials. Networked throughout Laos, DOKLAO has theability to channel information through twelve provincial television channels across tendifferent companies.  Along with DOKLAO#s experience in organizing mobile screenings with rural communities and schools, DOKLAO also is experienced on  #Climate Change awareness for youth though film making# supported by #ProcEEd# GIZ. And the experiences working with OXFAM on awareness raising, by Filming Women in leadership role to Promote Gender Equality to 7 provinces in schools.  PADETC strongly believes in the impact of media and discussion in awareness rising.

PADETC ORGANISATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PADETC grew out of a group of five Lao development workers, who had spent over ten years working on agriculture and participatory processes in rural development sector throughout the country. In late 1996 the Lao Government approved an application by the group to establish the Participatory Development Training Centre (PADETC)as an independent and non-profit organisation aimed at strengthening human resources for sustainable development.

PADETC cooperates with government agencies at different administrative levels and with a number of international aid agencies such as International NGO#s and UN agencies. In the early years, PADETC focused on facilitating sustainable agricultural practices and integrated rural development, and in recent years it has expanded its activities to focus on building the capacity of Lao civil society to undertake integrated participatory rural development revolving around agriculture and forestry through youths. It now mainly promotes young people as agents of change and promotes education as a tool for sustainable development in the country. PADTEC recently received Megasaysay award for its outstanding work engaging with youths for promoting sustainable development in the country.

Under the umbrella ofPADETC, the Doklao center, Suanmai Lao center and Education development units will bring in their respective extensive expertise and experience to work in collaboration with #ProcEEd project# GIZ. By building on local wisdom and working at school, family and community levels,they contribute to raising awareness on environmental issues and sustainable development as well as to develop sustainable environmental-friendly practices.
PADETC has a good working relationship DEQP and ProCEEd and will closely collaborate with theminthe preparation and implementation stages.

Lao New Wave Cinema Production # LNWC BACKGROUND:

Lao New Wave Cinema Productions is a film production company co-founded by a collective of young filmmakers residing in Laos. Our primary aim is to change the face of the Lao movie industry to reflect current trends and ideas. Our team consists of both native and international members, whom all share a common passion to produce quality images and stories. In order to survive in the business world, wehaveexpanded our products and services to cover more than just our own movie projects. We offer our technical expertise and inside knowledge of Laos and its culture to help local and international clients -- be it for documentaries, commercials, TV programs,TV series, corporate videos, musicvideos or fiction.

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism
Cinema Department, within The Ministry of Information, Cultureand Tourism.
The Cinema Department will be a key government partner in the screening of this film. The Cinema Department within theMinistry of Information, Culture and Tourism will play an important role in be holding responsibility for censorship, filming authorization and film screening consent and approval. The department will also coordinate the scouting location process and filming time.

OBJECTIVES:
The main objectives of film are to the following:
# To facilitate and encourage the audience to develop a deeper understand life situations of marginalized young people (Among Ethnic Minority groups in Laos)
# To raise a more profound awareness to viewers from key themes such as respect, compassion and general kindness in regards to gender inequality, gender identity/orientation, cultural, economic and social differences through a romantic drama film.
# To show impacts and effects of abuse, discrimination, victimization, misjudgments and misconception to individuals and communities.

PROJECT Target Group
- Lao Young people including all ethnic minorities group and peoplewith all gender identities from 10-25 years old
- Adult groups of audience from 25 # 45 years old
EXPECTED OUTCOMES

# The film is expected to reach 10,000 youths and adults (5,000 women) and raise awareness on the themes of economic, social culturaland gender identity/orientation.
# The film will be developed as a platform to inspire youth and views that #everyone is different and has a different story#, and to encourage compassion and understanding amongst youth and adults.
# The collaboration of DOKLAO andLNWC will mark future partnerships, as a strong network will be formed.