Spirituality in film : a critical enquiry into the film Yesterday and the question of stigmatisation within the context of the HIV pandemic

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Conventional HIV intervention strategies are based on the presupposition that scientificknowledge and appropriate information about HIV will curb the spread of the disease. Thedominant approaches to the HIV debate and pandemic focus mostly on the medical,pedagogical and ethical dimensions of the pandemic. Governments are concerned withdemocratic and human rights and the juridical implications of HIV. This study proposes thata team approach should be followed, with the emphasis on a holistic model of preventioncare. In this regard it is hypothesised that the spiritual dimension, emphasising our humanquest for meaning, moral decision-making and virtues as related to the transcendentdimension of our being human, should play a substantial role.One of the most burning issues in the pandemic is the phenomenon of stigmatisation. Thisinvestigation is in search of an approach that can effectively penetrate the realm of prejudice,blaming, and discrimination. If spirituality can address stigmatisation, antistigmainterventions must acknowledge the role of pastoral care with its emphasis on 'soul care',values and meaning.The study explores the possibility of extending the traditional understanding of theology asfides quarens intellectum, with its emphasis on knowledge (the rational), to fides quaresimaginem, with its emphasis on imagination (the aesthetic dimension of life). Therefore theimportant presupposition that, due to the aesthetic dimension of faith, care to people livingwith HIV should include the aesthetic dimension. If one links fides quares imaginem to fidesquarens visum new options can be created for Practical Theology. In this regard, the visualdimension of life as represented by media, and specifically film, should be investigated in aHIV prevention strategy.The study thus proposes that a specific form of art, namely film, has potential as an effectiveantistigma intervention. It is hypothesised that film inherently has a spiritual dimension. Thisspiritual dimension could be linked to issues that can determine the direction and meaning oflife, as well as the understanding of human identity and dignity. In this regard the studywants to determine to what extent film can play a fundamental role in addressing the realm ofattitudes, convictions and belief systems. Film is thus suggested as a medium for spiritualintervention in order to bring about change on the level of perceptions. Lesser-educated people are very vulnerable, especially in relation to HIV. The study wants toexplore whether film can be an effective medium of addressing, educating and influencingsuch people at their level. In order to test this, an empirical study was done to assess theeffect that film has on HIV stigmatisation within such a group of people. The aim of theempirical research was not to create statistical evidence, but to illustrate certain trends andtendencies. A group of people from Vlaeberg, a rural area outside of Stellenbosch, SouthAfrica, was chosen for the study.In order to empirically explore the potential of film in addressing HIV stigmatisation it wasdecided to use the film Yesterday, the first South African film to be nominated for an Oscar.The film was chosen for the following reasons: a) it is set within South Africa, depictingvulnerable persons within a rural setting; b) it has a positive, though realistic approach toHIV; c) it depicts the cruelty of stigmatisation; d) it shows how you can assist those withHIV; and e) it is easily understandable.The film was positively received and able to influence the stigmatising perceptions, attitudesand convictions of the target group. The empirical study proved that film has a spiritualdimension and should be used as a medium for spirituality formation. Due to this, it has animportant role to play in antistigma interventions. In this regard, the research showed thatfilm can indeed play a decisive role in a HIV prevention strategy and an antistigmaintervention.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University