UNFPA participated at the 7th edition of the Gouna Film Festival with a workshop on the production of gender-sensitive content and a panel discussion on the impact of film on social change on October 27 and 28.

In partnership with HerStory Films, UNFPA organized a workshop on the production of gender-sensitive content lead by award-winning scriptwriter Mariam Naoum and Director Maggie Morgan, who guided participants through the intricacies of crafting narratives depicting diverse gender experiences.

The workshop brought together aspiring filmmakers, screenwriters, industry professionals and film students.

Through interactive sessions, practical exercises, and case studies, the workshop tackled challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusivity in filmmaking.

UNFPA Representative in Egypt Yves Sassenrath participated on a panel titled “Impactful Stories: Beyond the Film,” where he discussed the impact of film on social and behavioral change.

Through its programming, UNFPA employs edutainment to shed light on different topics such as gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls, family planning, and other reproductive health topics. UNFPA uses innovative tools such music, theatre and film as a medium to raise awareness on the different topics.

Sassenrath also presented the 360 Degree Campaign model, launched by UNFPA last year. The campaign was centered around a television drama series called “Berry Leaves,” which addressed family planning, gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls among other topics.

Along with the TV series, the campaign was complemented by online and offline activities such as social media, an interactive website, outdoor billboards, and even peer education and community engagement activities, all promoting the same messaging.

UNFPA employs the edutainment model at the Population Awareness Clubs as well, where theater teams, and music groups develop scripts and songs that shed light on various reproductive health issues, and perform them in their communities. Since 2020, an annual Nawah Community Art Festival has been taking place, where volunteers from different governorates produce, sing and act in performances.

UNFPA’s partnership with the GFF builds on a successful collaboration over the past years, through which UNFPA aims to inspire and advocate for storylines on topics related reproductive health, gender inequality, discrimination and gender-based violence as well as other population issues.