Today Molly Blank screened her powerful film Where Do I Stand? At the Nyanga branch’s winter school at UWC.
“When xenophobic attacks broke out across South Africa in May 2008, many found themselves caught off guard, shocked by violence that felt like a violation of the principles of their newly democratic nation. In the midst of this violence, many young people, clad in the bright greens and maroons of their school uniforms, looted neighborhood shops while some of their classmates, refugees themselves, fled to safer ground. Some youth tried to find a way to help, but still more stood by, watching from their windows or on television. Where Do I Stand? captures the optimistic voices of youth trying to make sense of what they experienced and the choices they made during the violence…” (wheredoistandfilm.com).
Ikamvanites were very moved and thought-provoked after the screening, and shared their ideas and opinions with Molly. Branch coordinator Nombuyiselo Dziba urged the learners to stand up in their communities, as although they are young, they are priveleged with the education they’re receiving, and can lead their communities to think differently.
Zandile Zoya, a grade 11 learner, wrote an on-the-spot poem during the few minutes learners were given to reflect in silence once the film had ended. Watch her read her poem, “What’s the Point?”:
[youtube]kietiAX_zko[/youtube]
Three grade 11 ikamvanites shared their views on xenophobia, and suggest that the film is screened on SABC1 to prevent further outbreaks which many communities are threatening for post-world cup:
[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOXN89u1Hj8]
“Where do I stand?” will be screened and discussed at all five winter schools.
Lloyd Lungu