Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The complex and often life-changing decisions faced by young girls will take centre stage in a thought-provoking new short film titled Choices.
The production delves into themes of teenage relationships, parental authority, sexual responsibility, and the critical importance of guidance over fear in shaping young lives. It is set to premiere on Friday at 6pm on the Amplifying Girls Voices TV YouTube channel.
Choices features a talented line-up of actors including Linet Ngulube as Zie, Vuyani Maposa as boy, Prudence Changara as Sonke, Thando Vele as girl, Sithabiso Moyo as mother, Percy Soko as father, and Zenzo Nyathi as uncle. Behind the scenes, the creative force comprises director Raisedon Baya, script and production manager Anita Moyo, director of photography Sanele Keaitse, lighting Sabelo Keaitse, sound Jerold Nyoni, and make-up Nokuthula Khumalo.
Shot in and around Bulawayo’s eastern suburbs, the short film is a collaborative effort between Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo and Amplifying Girls Voices Through Digital Arts.
Director Raisedon Baya said the narrative follows a young girl named Zie as she grapples with life-shaping decisions regarding her relationships and sexuality.
“The story revolves around Zie and her sexual choices, whether to indulge or not, the kind of boyfriend to choose, and whether to listen to her parents. It reflects the real dilemmas that young people face in matters of SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights),” said Baya.
He added that Choices forms part of a larger initiative titled My Body My Future, which uses the Social Behaviour Change Communities model to promote social change through film and art.
“This is art being used as a tool for social transformation, helping young people make informed decisions instead of acting from fear or peer pressure,” Baya said. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
