MBABANE – The four winning films from the Eswatini Communications Commission High Schools Film Competitions now have a series that is available on the commissions YouTube page and local television stations, Channel YemaSwati and Eswatini TV.
These were produced by the winning high schools in their respective regions, Sisekelo for Lubombo, Somnjalose for Hhohho, Mkhondvo for Shiselweni as well as St. John Bosco for the Manzini Region. The winning school for the E50 000 grand prize was Mkhondvo High School, whose film ‘The Last Breath’ explored challenges of a young girl who is abused and impregnated by a teacher, and is then coerced to abort. The competition was supported by other partners, FNB Foundation and UNESCO Eswatini.
The films were judged by industry professionals including SA’s Kagiso Modupe and Zindzi Zungu, as well as Samkeliso Nxumalo, Musonda Chimba and Phesheya Nxumalo, with students from Limkokwing and UNESWA forming part of the technical crews that assisted the pupils with the production.
Acting ESCCOM CEO, Fikile Gama said that ESCCOM is proud to finally see the winning films from the High Schools Film Competition now reaching a wider audience through YouTube as well as our local TV stations. “These young filmmakers from Eswatini’s schools, have demonstrated not only remarkable creativity and storytelling ability, but also a deep understanding of the opportunities presented by the digital world. Their work is a powerful reminder that the country’s youth are not merely consumers of digital content, they are creators, innovators and future leaders of the digital economy,” she said.
The CEO added that as the broadcasting regulator, they remain committed to nurturing digital skills and responsible online participation among young people. “By providing platforms such as the ESCCOM High Schools’ Film Competition, we aim to inspire learners to use technology as a tool for expression, education and positive social change. We encourage the parents, siblings, friends and the nation at large to watch, support and celebrate these talented students,” concluded Gama.
The series is available to watch on the Eswatini Communications Commission YouTube page and is playing on Eswatini TV and Channel YemaSwati.
