PLANS are underway to transform and develop the local film industry so that Basotho actors will no longer have to relocate to South Africa in order to realise their dreams.
society
Dec. 21, 2020
STAFF REPORTER
2 min read
Local actors can realise their dreams at home – Movie body
FSG Lesotho Senior Project Manager Aubrey Silinyana
This development of the Lesotho film industry is spearheaded by the Film Sector Ground-breakers (FSG) Lesotho.
According to FSG Lesotho’s Senior Project Manager Aubrey Silinyana, the programme will have far-reaching effects on the industry.
“At the heart of the film industry development programme implemented by FSG Lesotho is the speedy capacitation of young people with high level skills that will give them entry into the commercial sphere of the industry,” he said.
“It is our strong belief as the management of the company that it is the young generation that can drastically transform the industry, hence our focus on youth development.”
Silinyane said since March 2019, they started teaching film production in five high schools located in Maseru, Leribe and Thaba-Tseka.
They also have a three-year long Emerging Filmmaker Incubation Programme, which mentors 16 young Basotho filmmakers.
Silinyane said they plan to introduce two major film production projects in 2021 in which casting of top actors and television presenters has already been completed.
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“Before the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, we had begun our warm engagements with the executive management of the Mantsopa Local Municipality in Ladybrand, to set up co-production programmes between Basotho and South African filmmakers who are based in their municipality. We are now moving forward to also implement that project,” he said,
He noted that there are young Basotho who have been selected to participate in sports films and a television programme which will be shot in 2021, adding that some have already been selected for on-the-job training.
FSG Lesotho is a non-profit organisation established to facilitate sustainable film industry development in the country.
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