Aa Muskuraa (Come, Smile...)

Screening of film Aa Muskuraa (Come, Smile…) training film for imparting communication counseling skills to counselors

Objectives: 

Films are a great medium to impart knowledge and training in an interesting way. Screening of a film like ‘Aa Muskura (Come, Smile…)’ about imparting Counseling Skills to counselors working with HIV/AIDS intervention at government hospitals, especially with marginalized communities like sex workers, IUD users, MSM & Transgenders, can be very useful. 

Materials:

The 120 min film is about Priya, a young counselor has a daunting task as she joins an ICTC clinic at a government hospital in a small town. Priya has a handful of new challenges everyday as she is needed to learn new techniques and skills to face up to the problems posed by her counselees – who are from marginalized communities : sex workers, drug user, MSM and transgender. 

Using a narrative format with real life incidents & experiences, and building it up with humour & drama, emotions & music; the film outlines a story that incorporates strong messages, inspiring young counsellors to become competent counselors of tomorrow.

The film was developed with FGD organized by Humsafar Trust with practicing counselors from several regions, with continuous inputs by The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Communication Programs and NACO (National AIDS Control Organization) of India at every stage of writing from the concept and story to screenplay and dialogues.

The film is being used by NACO for the training of ICTC counselors across the country.

Expected Outcomes:

Screening of the film and post-screening discussion of this film can help build capacity of counselors by orienting them on the principles of interpersonal communication and build their skills around appropriate techniques needed interact with clients.