Film

Oman has one of the highest annual death rates per 100,000 population from road traffic crashes in the Middle East, a region surpassed globally only by sub-saharan Africa. A film produced by Al Mustadaama (Sustainability) LLC as the centrepiece of the Salim and Salimah, Safe and Sound campaign, sets out to raise public awareness of ways to reduce deaths and serious injuries among children, our most innocent and vulnerable road users.

Doesn’t your child deserve a safe ride? - ألا يستحق طفلك ركوباً آمناً , filmed in Arabic and English, targets parents and young adults in highlighting typical, high risk driving habits on Oman's roads, the potentially deadly consequences for child passengers and the protective benefits of appropriate child restraints. It includes high-impact footage of accidents on the highway, hospital trauma ward, interviews and cameo appearances by well-known Omani role models.

Several everyday scenarios in the film challenge high-risk attitudes and misconceptions widespread in Oman regarding driving and in-car safety. The film gains authenticity and cultural resonance from the fact that these scenarios were filmed with Omani adults and child actors, all non-professional volunteers, at recognisable locations in the capital Muscat such as schools, shops and hospitals.

Order your copy of the DVD here

Film Clips

Watch selected clips here (download Windows Media Player if required):

1. How fragile we are (English/Arabic)
2. Flying dummies (English/Arabic)
3. Your choice (English/Arabic)
4. Belt up, says rally ace (English/Arabic)
5. Fatwa on speed (Arabic)

Film preview

Mothercare staged a demonstration of different models of child safety seats and the Occupational Training Institute rounded off the preview event with a special workshop for regional members of leading NGO, the Omani Women's Association.

Production

The film has been produced in DVD format for distribution to all government schools in Oman through the Ministry of Education, as well as to universities and colleges, hospitals, NGOs, youth organisations and non-profit entities in Oman. Initial production has been funded by project partner, Petroleum Development Oman.

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to all the actors and facilitators who contributed their time and patience to the making of this film and in particular to all Omani parents who had the vision and conviction to allow their own children to take part in the interests of carrying this life-saving message out into the wider community.

In memory of Siham,
born 2003, died  2005
A young life cut tragically short

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