BY SHARON SIBINDI Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo with the support of Plan International under the project — Amplifying Girls’ Voices Through Digital Arts has said it is on the right on track after the launch of their short film — Amacala, which has received a good feedback.
Amacala was launched last year on YouTube and looks at child marriages. On Thursday (June 16), which was the Day of the African Child, Amacala Part 2 was launched.
“The views and comments are beyond our expectations,” project director Raisedon Baya told Standard Style.
“The idea is to expose the evil practice to a wider audience and we’re doing exactly that.
“So far, our films are more popular throughout the Southern Africa region and other parts of the world.”
Baya said they are happy with the reviews and feedback as they have been good so far.
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“People generally like the content of the film, the issues which the film is raising and resonate with. They also like the quality of the film,” he said.
Asked to comment on why the latest production — Amacala Part 2 was premiered on June 16, Baya said: “June 16 is the Day of the African Child. The theme this year is centred on eliminating harmful practices affecting children. Child marriages and Sexual and Reproductive Health issues are pertinent to the theme of the day which is what Part 2 of Amacala is about.”
He said June 16 is a day set aside for youths and children.
“Our project addresses youths and children, particularly girls,” Baya said.
“We are about raising and amplifying girls’ issues and their voices through digital arts.
“Plan International is still supporting the initiative with support from Plan Finland under the My Body My Future project.”
Asked what’s next for Amacala Part 2 after premiering it, Baya said: “It will depend on the response from the audiences after watching Part 2. If Part 2 is properly received we will obviously do Part 3. We may conclude the series with Part 4.”
The project — Amplifying Girls’ Voices through Digital Arts began with 22 young girls and it opened up to 10 new girls with the aim to provide a platform for girls and young women to talk about issues affecting them.
Baya said the idea is to keep giving more girls the opportunity to amplify their issues using this project.