Exploring Audience Engagement and Critical Narrative Intervention With the Celling Sex Film. Issue 2 (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kendrick, Caterina; MacEntee, Katie; Flicker, Sarah
• Is Part Of: Health promotion practice. Volume 22:Issue 2(2021)Supplement
• Page Start: 33S
• Page End: 43S
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: participatory visual methodologies -- audience/audiencing -- critical audience engagement -- cellphilms -- stigma -- trading sex -- pedagogical impacts -- social change; Health promotion -- Periodicals; Health promotion -- United States -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Health education -- United States -- Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1177/15248399211040492
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1524-8399

Abstract

Young women who trade sex experience high rates of stigma that exacerbate existing health inequities. The products of participatory visual methodologies show promising potential for challenging stigma. In total, 15 young women who trade sex created individual brief videos to share their experiences. Following a participatory analysis, the videos were edited into one composite movie to highlight key messages. Eight facilitated screenings (cohosted by participant filmmakers and research team members) were organized with diverse community and health organizations. Audiences were led through a series of interactive writing, drawing, viewing, and discussion activities. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and inductively analyzed to assess the impacts of the film on audiences. Audience reactions were categorized into four overarching themes to describe main impacts: consciousness raising, commitments to practice and organizational change, effectiveness of the approach, and limitations. Audience responses demonstrated that facilitated screenings can challenge harmful stereotypes and help viewers consider pathways to enact positive change in their personal and professional lives. However, changing deep-rooted patterns of stigma takes time, dedication, and accountability.