Excessive control and possessiveness are often perceived as signs of love but in reality they could well be indications of abuse. Highlighting this, Love Matters, a non-profit organisation which focuses on generating awareness about intimate partner violence , recently launched a short film Kya Yahi Pyaar Hai .
The film aims to break taboos about controlling relationships among couples of all genders in India. “Domestic violence is only being recognised between heterosexual couples, no one is paying attention to homosexual couples,” said Vithika Yadav who heads Love Matters.
Talking about her experience of shooting the film, Gayatri Parameswaran, co-director, said, “Directing this 360/VR experience was challenging at many levels. We had to leave the scene every time we hit the record button because we couldn't be in the film. In 360 degree, everything is captured.” The film is being screened in viewing booths across 10 Metro stations in Delhi for a period of ten days, leading people to ponder on the subject. “If we want to cause a change, we need to start by talking about it,” explained Vithika.
Love Matters is focusing on VR technology to make it more interesting and appealing.
“By using VR technology, the viewer becomes a part of the experience and is able to feel the impact,” observed Vithika. “By using a creative format, it is possible to reach and involve a lot of young people in our campaign. These youngsters need a safe space where they can talk about their worries, and that is what we aim to provide them with,” she added.
Bilingual website
The website of Love Matters offers comprehensive youth-friendly information regarding sexual reproductive health in English and Hindi. Elaborating, Vithika said, people fall in love and develop feelings towards each other both romantic as well as sexual.
“Sex is something which is natural and a number of youngsters are experimenting. They should know what is safe and what is not. Cross generation conversation is not easy, but there are formats which enable people to cross this gap.”
