South Africa’s top actor takes film making classes to Nkayi

Blessing Karubwa

IN an inspiring move to bridge the gap between rural communities and the media industry, a ground breaking workshop is set to take place in Nkayi District, thanks to renowned South African actor Luthuli Dlamini.

This initiative, part of the Imiklomelo kaDakamela Awards Festival, aims to equip aspiring filmmakers and content creators in Nkayi with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the media landscape.

Nkayi is rich in culture and talent, yet it remains one of the most underdeveloped regions in Zimbabwe. In a recent telephone interview, Dlamini said most young people have stories to tell but lack the resources and knowledge to bring them to life, adding that the upcoming workshop will empower them to do just that.

Scheduled for late next month, the workshop will bring together a group of passionate candidates from Nkayi, where access to the media industry has been limited.

Participants will engage in hands-on learning, covering everything from scriptwriting to directing and shooting their short films.

“We are not just handing out cameras; we are providing a comprehensive education on how to create compelling content. With the technology available today, including smartphones and editing apps, the possibilities are endless,” Dlamini emphasised.

The selection process will be conducted locally, ensuring that the candidates chosen are representative of the community’s diverse talent.

The workshop is not just about theoretical knowledge; it will also include practical sessions where participants will write, shoot, and edit their own movies.

“We want to ensure that the participants are genuinely passionate and ready to learn. This is about creating a sustainable pipeline of content creators in Nkayi. By the end of the workshop, they will have created something tangible — a film they can be proud of. It’s about giving them the skills to turn their ideas into reality,” Dlamini said.

Dlamini’s commitment to this initiative stems from a belief in the potential of Nkayi’s youth.

“There’s incredible passion out there. We just need to provide them with the tools and knowledge to harness that passion effectively. By focusing on local content creation, we can elevate Nkayi’s voice in the media landscape,” he stated.

Dlamini, born in Bulawayo in 1966 before relocating to England and then South Africa, recently held a similar workshop in Bulawayo. — @TeamKarubwa.