A productive week was spent in Maputo on the Mozambican phase of the skills audit. Beginning with a number of already known contacts from previous interaction with stakeholders in Mozambique Gina met with established members of the industry, including those in the broadcast sector, as well as some new and up and coming practitioners one of whom, Dino Ribeiro, was particularly helpful, offering his service to ensure that information and the questionnaire, in Portuguese, was circulated as widely as possible.
Enthusiastic support was also offered by Canadian Anne-Maria Lavigne who, in her position working closely with the producer’s organisation Amocine, and with a partcular focus on training, is well placed to assist.
Gina was also well received by the cultural attaches of France, Spain and Italy.
Follow up with those in Mozambique, as well as the initial contacts made with individuals in Angolas is in progress, and the prompt response from the maximum number of stakeholders is of prime importance to the success of the project.
“A highlight was my visit to the Scala cinema in Maputo which was built in the 1940s and which is owned by Promarte, houses their offices, and is host to a video club and occasional productions and other events. Even if only a shadow of its old glory, and knowing what investment would be required, one feels inspired by the potential of this venue,” says Gina Bonmariage
Following on from his participation in the SACOD meeting in Swaziland in November 2007 where he primed a number of the SACOD members on the upcoming project, VJ’s interaction with practitioners in Swaziland and Lesotho has also received a positive response and follow up is on track.
“We are continually appreciative of the vital support and assistance we are receiving, and the time taken by stakeholders to participate in this skills audit.”
Gina Bonmariage & Eugene Vambe Jirira.
Gina Bonmariage and Eugene Vambe Jirira (VJ), have been commissioned to conduct the SACOD Skills Audit for the film and video industry. The overall purpose of the SACOD investigation is to provide a quantitative and qualitative picture of the film and video industry in the Southern African region, and to investigate and identify current and future skills needs and articulate skills gaps.
May we in the audiovisual industry use the skills we have to expose the circumstances within Southern Africa, and the malaise within the South frican society that have given rise to such deplorable violence against our fellow Africans, and to try to overcome the betrayal of trust.
Gina
