MBABANE – Lights, camera and action!
Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) officially launched a high school film competition yesterday, empowering the next generation of local writers and directors to bring their stories to life. The event was held at the ESCCOM offices in Ezulwini and co-ordinated by ESCCOM Communications Officer Fisiwe Vilane. ESCCOM officially launched the initiative alongside partners who contributed funding to ensure its success. Broadcasting Specialist Mandisa Nkambule briefly emphasised the importance of the competition and explained how it would unfold. She said the competition aimed to open new doors for pupils to express themselves through filming.
In every region, pupils are encouraged to enter the competition; however, only four schools will qualify to represent their respective regions. Nkambule said the four schools would then get a platform to produce short films using equipment in their possession. “The schools are to make a short one minute film and make their stories,” she said. The winning schools must have a script writer, director, production manager and eight actors. Additionally, she said those schools would collaborate with students from the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) and University of Eswatini (UNESWA) for cinematography, editing, sound and production management.Thereafter, they will be given E10 000 to produce a 10 minute film and manage that budget.
She emphasised that a theme would be given to students very soon. The commission will also conduct film festivals and an awards event for the four competing schools. Furthermore, she said there would be a reality show to broadcast the process to the public. This competition will run for three months
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The E200 000 replica cheque being presented to ESCCOM by the FNB Eswatini Foundation for the competition. (Pic: Phumlile Msibi)