Salesian missionaries invite film experts from India to hold intensive training for 40 young student filmmakers

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Zambia have invited filmmaking experts from India to train youth who are passionate about filmmaking. The intensive course is being held at the Salesian center in Bauleni, Lusaka, Zambia. The 40 students from Zambia, Zimbabwe* and Namibia are receiving training in film directing, script writing, sound designing and sound editing, as well as interpersonal skills.

During the inauguration ceremony, Father Christopher Kunda, one of the Salesians who launched the project, explained the aim to the students, filmmakers, directors, celebrities and government officials who were invited. Jaikumar and Leeju, from Enso pictures in India, will be facilitating the training for youth. Owas Ray Mwape, a film director from the Oram Film Academy, is also facilitating the training.

The ceremony was also attended by the Zambia Arts Council president, delegates from the Zambia Environmental and Climate Change Institute and many more. A Tonga dance group entertained everyone at the event.

“Training like this is important for youth who are passionate about a field of study,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Giving youth the opportunity to learn directly from experts in the field is a great way to ignite their passions and help them learn the skills needed for future employment in their chosen field.”

Poverty is widespread in Zambia with 64 percent of the total population living below the poverty line. For those living in rural areas, the poverty rate rises to 80 percent, according to UNICEF. Over the past three decades, incomes in Zambia have fallen steadily, and people do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as shelter, nutritious food and medical care.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has also taken a devastating toll on Zambia’s children. There are 1.2 million children classified as orphaned and vulnerable by UNICEF, and these children struggle to find education, basic services and hope for their future.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Zambia – Collaboration between India and Zambia to initiate young people into filmmaking

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

*Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.