Work has begun on filming a new soap opera in Timor Leste aimed at
building peace in the country.

The soap opera, part of an IOM programme funded by the European
Commission (EC) aimed at enhancing stability in Timor Leste through
the sustainable reintegration of internally displaced people
(IDPs), follows the fortune of two orphaned brothers who move to
the capital seeking fame and fortune. Instead, they find their new
neighbourhood in turmoil.

While the recent closure of the country's tented IDP camps
resolved primary issues of displacement, the government recognises
that many of the underlying causes of community conflict remain
unresolved.

The soap opera, which supports the government's peace-building
initiatives, is expected to generate healthy dialogue on issues
such as regionalism, domestic violence, land disputes, generation
gaps and loss of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, such
as ceremonies between conflicting parties and the Lia Nian (village
chief of justice).

Using drama, the soap opera will show how problems can be solved
constructively through mediation, with support from the community
and state.

Although it is an educational drama, each episode will be packed
with action, romance and memorable characters to catch the
attention of a public eager to see stories of Timor portrayed on
the screen. The dedicated Timorese crew and cast come from a
variety of different backgrounds, and bring energy, commitment and
creativity to the development of the new nation.

The show will span 20 episodes, totalling 10 hours of air-time,
and is scheduled for broadcast at the start of 2010.

For more information, please contact:

Katharine Bryant

IOM Dili

Tel: +670 7465134

Email: "mailto:kbryant@iom.int">kbryant@iom.int