GRD Gives Talent a Platform to Shine

Bulawayo - Over three hundred hopefuls pitched up to audition for a slot in the short films project being conducted by the Geraldine Roche drama (GRD) as part of efforts to empower and educate local communities in Bulawayo through drama and film.

GRD is going to be shooting 15 short films throughout the month of August with the aim of giving talented individuals, especially the youth, a chance to showcase their skills, while showing communities that one can make a living in the arts sector.

The majority of people who came for the auditions said they were nervous as they had never auditioned for film before. They also expressed their gratitude for the wonderful opportunity that this initiative had afforded them.

“I think there are lot of talented people in Bulawayo who have been waiting for an opportunity display their talent and this film project is an answer to our prayers” said Mr Sindiso Nhliziyo who was patiently waiting for his chance to enter the audition room.

After her audition 18 year old Elaine, who is a form six student at Nketha High school, said she felt that her audition went very well.

“I am looking forward to taking part in this project and I think it’s going to be a very good learning curve and introduction of my name to the film industry”.

Those who were being auditioned were required to do a monologue in front of a panel of judges comprising of some of Bulawayo’s best known film and drama directors.

These included Sarah Mpofu and Memory Kubota among others.

Speaking on the side lines of the auditions, award winning director and actor, Sarah Mpofu, also known as Tashi for her role in the local hit series makorokoza, said, “Basically these films are centred on giving life lessons, especially to the youth, so as to encourage and give them hope in the face of so much adversity”.

Khaliphile Sibanda, who is the GRD Programme Coordinator, said the organisation was over-joyed by the amazing response that they got from the people of Bulawayo in this pilot project.

“It is our hope that the response will be even better when we host the inaugural GRD film festival which will showcase these films” added Miss Sibanda.