Humansdorp-based non-profit organisation, Sakhe Family Care Development Centre, recently released their debut short film which highlights various social challenges, in the hope of promoting positive social and behavioural changes within the youth and families at large in the area.
As previously reported by Kouga Express, Sakhe Family Care Development Centre established in 2014, focuses on assisting the youth and families with social ills such as broken families, unemployment, and domestic violence in the area.
According to the organisation’s founding director, Thanduxolo Buka, they have implemented development initiatives which focus on three pillars, namely psychosocial support, alleviating poverty, and job creation.
To continue their work in the community and surrounding areas, the organisation recently released their first short film, titled Ithemba, to promote positive social and behavioural change and address social issues through arts and media.
The short film also highlights the key role the organisation plays within the community, with the lead actors making use of their counselling services in the film.
Buka said that the short film was written by lead actors Ayathandwa Nakuphi and Kekeletso Tukani, who are both from Humansdorp and are final year Bachelor of Arts in live performance students at AFDA.
“The short film addresses social ills that often affect how we respond to life’s circumstances, the effects of various behavioural patterns, and promotes positive coping mechanisms that lead to positive behavioural changes,” said Buka.
He said that they plan to develop the short film into a show with multiple episodes, with the aim of creating a platform for the youth to learn new skills, and creating job opportunities for unemployed youth who have shown an interest in participating in the space of film.
Buka said that the release of the entire show would only be determined once all the episodes have been developed and filmed.
He said that on May 6, the short film was showcased at the Kouga Conference Centre to attract investors, beneficiaries, and local talent to ensure the success of the entire project.
Buka said that the short film is a work-in-progress venture, intended to attract media and funding opportunities that will assist the organisation to produce the kind of quality that will qualify the film for television.
He said that the newly-released short film, which will serve as the first episode in the series, was filmed at various locations in Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay.
Buka said that the short film centres on a boy named Anele, who displays behavioural problems that have been affected by his environment, which include the passing of his mother and the absence of his father.
He said that the storyline was inspired by social, and behaviour change programmes that seek to modify behaviour and reduce social drivers of HIV/AIDS.
“The film aims at igniting hope for marginalised groups, creating diverse opportunities for those in the arts, media, and filming industry, and maximising impact as it expands our beneficiary reach,” said Buka.
He said that the show plans to showcase a series of short stories filled with hope and resilience.
“We trust that through this exciting film project young people will make informed decisions about their development, relationships, career, and general life experiences,” said Buka.
“We hope that after watching this short film young people will learn that toxic behaviours will always negatively impact one’s life, academic progress, and future goals.
“We also hope that parents will see the value of parenting, and the need for one to be present and create a safe, loving, and sustainable family environment that promotes a positive perspective and lifestyle for the child.”
As part of the premiere of the short film on May 6, Buka said that the public was given the opportunity to learn about the Ithemba short film, where the concept for the film originated, and their plans going forward.
He said that on the day the Department of Social Development, who have joined as partners of the film and potential partners to the organisation, were also in attendance.
Buka said that the public will be able to watch Ithemba on their YouTube channel, which will be created later this month.
He said that on the day the Department of Social Development, who have joined as partners of the film and potential partners to the organisation, were also in attendance.
Buka said that the public would be able to watch Ithemba on their YouTube channel, which would be created later this month.
He said that as part of their plans to promote the short film, they would do roadshows throughout the Sarah Baartman District to showcase their new production initiative.
