daniel chigunwe
Reginald Chirenje
Youth Interactive Writer
The media, specifically television and movies, are some of the ways we receive messages about college going experiences and its value.
These images and depictions are created by the people who have and have not experienced college life.
Yet those similar and repeated images contribute to perception of college life for the general public.
A filmmaker from Chikanga in Mutare, 22 year-old Kudakwashe Katewera, has become popular after recently completing the first episode of his film titled “Urban Strings”which has received an overwhelming response on YouTube.
The film is a reflection of the university lifestyle.
“Films help students become more engaged in the learning process as they can derive a lot of more information from the character’s facial expressions in the film, which make them interested and hooked into what is being taught.
“Therefore it is another reason why films should be used as part of the teaching process,” said Kudakwashe.
Financial constraints have made it difficult for the young, energetic actor to releasethe production earlier.
Surprisingly, Kudakwashe plays the role of the main character in the film as Jimmy.
He said the film will change the life of many students and more episodes are coming.
“Substance and drug abuse among university students has become a major global concern and a serious challenge.
“Substances commonly abused include alcohol, drugs, cannabis and other psychoactive substances as a result of many push and pull factors and that’s what the film seeks to address” he added.
Such talent as that of Kudakwashe is rare to find in society and the world at large, the inspiration itself is unique in reflecting on how talented and passionate the young man is.
Apart from drug abuse the film also explores other problems which university students face.
These challenges include peer pressure, stress, depression, relationship issues, budgeting and academic decisions at times.
“Regardless of whether you are a new student to the university environment or not, you will require some period of adjustment.
“In university life the first year is often extra hard due to the change in your routine among many other things.
“Students should give themselves an allowance of adjusting time and also expect some bamboozling experiences.
“However amidst all these uncertainties, ensure that you remain confident, eventually adjust and fall in love with university life,” Kudakwashe said.
A good number of students are not usually prepared for the possible challenges that university life has to offer hence causing them to get overwhelmed.
The aftermath of such a situation is students taking valuable extra time to try to adjust to this new life.
However, as much as all these facts are reality that students have to face, one can have the upper hand if only adequate preparation is made beforehand.
Online Reporter