Slum Cinema Project Kicks Off in Zimbabwe
Mbare, where the launch occurred. Photo by Ethel Kabwato A new project named Slum Cinema has just begun in Zimbabwe. Funded by BasicViews Foundation (Netherlands), the project aims promotes "the screening of feature films and documentaries in slums and deprived areas for the purpose of creating awareness of issues affecting such communities, for example, HIV and AIDS, human trafficking, peace and conflict, migration, teenage pregnancies, youth human rights issues, bullying in schools, alcohol and drug abuse." The program coordinator, Ethel Kabwato, has said: "These screenings are followed by discussion forums which aim at engaging the youth in dialogue and raising awareness of communities, stake holders, policymakers and decision makers and thereby enabling them to contribute to policymaking and employment creation." "Slum Cinema (Zimbabwe) realises that film is a widely accessible medium that can reach those with limited literacy skills and has the added adva...