Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Trigger Film.1974

Most available films on this subject present a medical/statistical approach, seeking to shock or at best inform the audience and therefore limit a serious consideration on a personal level. These three Trigger Films are different. They are designed to stimulate discussion of the personal problems facing young people if they come into contact with a sexually transmitted disease. The three films are separated by blank sections so that they can be stopped for a discussion. The first film aims to put the discussion into a wider context by considering the question of health in general. How do I decide that I am unwell? Is it linked to a general attitude to health Janet feels unwell and doesn’t want to go to school. She is persuaded by her mother and on the way is stimulated into thinking about old age and mature sexual relations. Later at school, responding cheerfully to a challenging situation she remembers the way she felt that morning. The second film raises the problem of communication and the difficulty young people have in talking about serious problems that concern them. A boy thinks he may have a sexually transmitted disease, but who can he talk to, how can he find out what to do, where to go? In the third film the same boy. knowing he has gonorrhea, is looking for his contact. When he finds her, how is he going to tell her? This raises the question of attitudes in the people he talks to. The films are unique in that they are designed for young people to identify with and they consider the more important problems underlying any ‘social problem” like sexually transmitted diseases. Teachers may want to use the films separately.

because of the range of questions raised. The films are also useful in stimulating project or drama work.