MASERU - Molisana, a local film production, has been nominated for an award at the inaugural Waco Family and Faith International Film Festival to be held in Texas, USA, in February at the Waco Hippodrome Theatre.
society
Jan. 2, 2020
LINEO MABEKEBEKE
3 min read
Molisana up for international award
Written and directed by second year Limkokwing University student Ayesha Khuele (19), the short film was first shot in April 2019.
This first-ever event is, according to organisers, is dedicated to empowering the creative spirit, serving with heart, and celebrating all. The two day film festival will feature an international film competition, Hollywood studio movie releases, professional education workshops, and community gatherings throughout the town of Waco, all in the support of honoring the universal themes of family and faith.
Hollywood movies like Disney’s “The Lion King” and “Amazing Grace” as well as films by over 60 new and upcoming filmmakers from around the world will be featured; with Hollywood like ‘Mr Hercules’, Kevin Sorbo, Food Network Star, Gina Neely expected to make an appearance.
Khuele says Molisana was up against over 1 600 films from across the world, paving the way for her to be extended an invitation to attend the festival as the youngest filmmaker representing the women of Africa.
As the director of Molisana, Khuele says the production tells the story of a herd boy in the rural mountains of Lesotho, raised by his uncle after the demise of his parents.
Enjoy our daily newsletter from today
Access exclusive newsletters, along with previews of new media releases.
She continues that the story line is heart wrenching film, exploring the “lives of men never talked about, a traditional and cultural masterpiece, relevant to the 16 days of activism against gender based violence.” She further stated that the film encapsulates a poetic and strong feel about the uphill challenges facing shepherds in rural Lesotho.
Shot in Lesotho, and focusing on a single character, the director added that the film also touched on hardship faced by shepherds and their relationship to their employers.
“In just a few minutes of its opening till the end, the film draws the audience’s curiosity with a single shot yet contributing to the overall narrative,” she said.
In her statement, Khuele says most parts of Lesotho have endured devastating theft and violence over the years, which shepherds have survived.
She says she wants to create films that have something positive to say and feels passionate about film and the world she lives in; her hope is to carry inspiration to others.
Khuele says she also believes that Africans need to hear their own stories, as it was set to tackle the life of herd boys in Lesotho, saying people have a mentality that herd boys were bad boys.
“But in Molisana there is a different story about herd boys, who bear suffering from the same people who are very close to them,” she notes.
Tailored for you
