By Matṧeliso Phulane
Khaya Productions, the ministry of gender, youth, sports and social development and the ministry of communications, science, technology and innovationhavelaunched a Film for Community Action programme (FCA) to create a transformed and sustainable film industry in Lesotho.
The programme mainly focuses is on youth aged 15 to 35 and targets a total of 5000 youth from all the 10 districts. They are taught how to tell their own stories through audio and video.
The programme is also designed to empower young people in and out of school with life skills in decision making, negotiation and communication.
The initiative is aimed at creating support networks for people to enhance skills and create awareness on gender equity, HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, and sexual reproductive health rights, among others.
Speaking at the launch on Monday this week, the managing director and executive producer of Khaya Holdings, Tumahole Lechesa, said the company identified a critical problem, came up with the solution and proof.
“The problem we have identified is that in 2024, there is going to be 40 percent youth unemployment rate, and what I have noticed is that when such problems come, the nation looks to the government, which is wrong because the government is us the people,” Lechesa said.
He noted that his company then made a decision to establish the FCA in order to solve such issues.
“The aim is also to show off our cultural content to other countries, and attract corporate partners so that together we can mentor and motivate the youth about business. We hope that at the end of the day the country will have its own locally produced films,” he pointed out.
The other goal is to encourage the government to create a conducive environment for young people, and for development partners and civil society organisations to support youth talents.
At the same occasion, guest speaker Clint Phuthego – the Botswana-born actor who plays the role of Dr Paballo Morake on SABC drama ‘Muvhango’ – encouraged the youth to know scripts like Bible stories.
Phuthego said he does not call himself an actor but a story teller, just like artists telling their stories through painting. He tells his story by portraying a certain character.
He added that it is important for an actor to understand their character because it is going to be difficult if they do not understand the difference between being themselves and the character they are being given to play.
Phuthego likened a character to a puppet or doll that one can play with and stash away afterwards. He urged participants to know the skills required to become actors.
