MBABANE – Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) recently visited the film set of Bigamy, one of several short films produced under the Kwasukasukela Lolonga series.
This skills development project, funded by the Eswatini Communications Commission, provided a vital opportunity for the copyrights team to observe the intricate realities of local film production.
The visit aimed to gain a first-hand understanding of the technical and creative processes behind the scenes, ranging from concept development and directing to performance and technical execution. Engaging directly with the cast and crew reinforced their appreciation for the immense collaboration required to bring a story to the screen.
“Beyond observing the craft, the visit reaffirmed a critical message, ESWACOS does not only protect the rights of musicians. Our mandate extends to filmmakers, directors, actors, scriptwriters and producers. We ensure that all audiovisual content creators have their work legally protected, properly recognised and fairly compensated,” read their post.
The audiovisual sector is a cornerstone of the creative economy. “Its contributors deserve the same level of copyright protection as any other rights holder. By witnessing the rigour of a working set, we are now better positioned to represent the interests of those working within this space,” the post further mentioned.
ESWACOS invited all who are involved in the film or audiovisual industry, to visit their offices or explore their website. “Understanding your rights is the first step towards securing your professional future. We can guide you on how to register your works and protect your creative output from infringement. Your creativity is a valuable asset and it deserves protection. By registering with us, you join a community dedicated to safeguarding the livelihood of artists across Eswatini,” concluded the post.
ESWACOS aims to create a robust framework that not only covers the economic interests of creators, but also supports community broadcasters who play a vital role in local culture. By setting tariffs that are reflective of both market conditions and local economic factors, the organisation is paving the way for equitable compensation that will empower artists and bolster the nation’s creative economy. With this initiative, ESWACOS not only safeguards the rights of creators, but also embodies the spirit of collaboration between artists and the industries that benefit from their creativity. It’s a defining moment for Eswatini, as the country takes a bold step towards enriching its cultural fabric and enhancing the economic prosperity of its creative professionals.
Sandile Makhanya, Mmeli Hlanze and Lusolotsha Ginindza during their visit to the film set of Bigamy.