Lola Kenya Screen 2008 Equips Children With Arts and Cultural Journalism Skills
By Rushel Rangala
The third Lola Kenya Screen annual film festival is finally here. The six day event is going to be staged at the Kenya National Theatre, Alliance Francaise and several video halls in Kibera. Lola Kenya is a non- profit making organisation that deals with children and young people who aspire to journalists and film makers.
The first day was rather cold and chilly but this never prevented the enthusiasm to glow vividly from the participants faces who seemed excited and in high spirits for the beginning of the festival. Pauline Atieno was actively supervising and co-ordinating the area by and by nine o’clock the film hall was ready and set for commencing of the day’s programme. The participants were in three categories, the children’s jury, the children’s press and the children’s production workshop. As the participants and other guests slowly and cheerfully watched the films, the three categories of participants were called one by one starting with the production workshop team to report to their stations.
Mr. Ogova Ondego, the director of the Lola Kenya film came and called the press. In great ecstacy we moved into the gallery room 3. The press consisted of seven people some from other countries of Africa. After introductions, the session immediately kicked off as Mr. Ogova took us through Arts and Cultural journalism.
It was an interesting session as we go to learn about arts and culture and what elements to look for when conducting an interview. Also some of the key points to get from a film. After the session a tutor from Egypt came in the room and we had to apply the five W and H formula. After that it was task time where a comprehensive report had to be given. We divided ourselves where some had to remain and others go to Alliance Francaise auditorium where great films were to be screened.
The first film to be screened was the perfect match which took eleven minutes. It’s origin is from India and the theme was on how to get the right groom for marriage. The plot was superb in the sense that the story unfolded itself normally and I’ll definitely give credit for that. It was based in the past and had an intense Indian culture. The style used was cartoon and I feel it’s a good and greater way for attracting the young generation. Especially since the film is aimed at keeping the rich traditions of India in the minds of young people.
The cinematography proved to be good since the editing was good and the sounding grat. Although I had a picture problem they were too immense and it could have an effect on the viewer’s eye. The characters were okay and especially the use of personification brought out the message clearly. It was a short but straight to the point film. The second film was King Siri about a young boy who from a poor family who goes to star college and meets many challenges. The film took eighty eight minutes. The movie also draws its origin from India. The plot was excellent and congratulations to Somaratne, the director. The theme was direct on the social stratification that has invaded the world. The film focused on what currently revolves around us in the world we are living and that is really nice. The film was authentic and very original a great sense of creativity was definitely felt. The protagonist was the young boy Sirimal and the antagonist was Sahaw. It was indeed a well strategised film.
Watching these two films made me see a greater insight on film and especially on the culture of Indians and their mode of lifestyle. Through this experience I can say that film has great or immense power to create a great essence on the person’s life. This has definitely been a wake-up call that film is not only there for fun or entertainment. But also to create an impact of upgraded unit to a person’s life.
About the writer
Rushel Rangala, 16, a member of the Lola Kenya Screen 2008 Festival Press, attends Cardinal Otunga High School in Mosocho, Kisii, Kenya.
The third Lola Kenya Screen annual film festival is finally here. The six day event is going to be staged at the Kenya National Theatre, Alliance Francaise and several video halls in Kibera. Lola Kenya is a non- profit making organisation that deals with children and young people who aspire to journalists and film makers.
The first day was rather cold and chilly but this never prevented the enthusiasm to glow vividly from the participants faces who seemed excited and in high spirits for the beginning of the festival. Pauline Atieno was actively supervising and co-ordinating the area by and by nine o’clock the film hall was ready and set for commencing of the day’s programme. The participants were in three categories, the children’s jury, the children’s press and the children’s production workshop. As the participants and other guests slowly and cheerfully watched the films, the three categories of participants were called one by one starting with the production workshop team to report to their stations.
Mr. Ogova Ondego, the director of the Lola Kenya film came and called the press. In great ecstacy we moved into the gallery room 3. The press consisted of seven people some from other countries of Africa. After introductions, the session immediately kicked off as Mr. Ogova took us through Arts and Cultural journalism.
It was an interesting session as we go to learn about arts and culture and what elements to look for when conducting an interview. Also some of the key points to get from a film. After the session a tutor from Egypt came in the room and we had to apply the five W and H formula. After that it was task time where a comprehensive report had to be given. We divided ourselves where some had to remain and others go to Alliance Francaise auditorium where great films were to be screened.
The first film to be screened was the perfect match which took eleven minutes. It’s origin is from India and the theme was on how to get the right groom for marriage. The plot was superb in the sense that the story unfolded itself normally and I’ll definitely give credit for that. It was based in the past and had an intense Indian culture. The style used was cartoon and I feel it’s a good and greater way for attracting the young generation. Especially since the film is aimed at keeping the rich traditions of India in the minds of young people.
The cinematography proved to be good since the editing was good and the sounding grat. Although I had a picture problem they were too immense and it could have an effect on the viewer’s eye. The characters were okay and especially the use of personification brought out the message clearly. It was a short but straight to the point film. The second film was King Siri about a young boy who from a poor family who goes to star college and meets many challenges. The film took eighty eight minutes. The movie also draws its origin from India. The plot was excellent and congratulations to Somaratne, the director. The theme was direct on the social stratification that has invaded the world. The film focused on what currently revolves around us in the world we are living and that is really nice. The film was authentic and very original a great sense of creativity was definitely felt. The protagonist was the young boy Sirimal and the antagonist was Sahaw. It was indeed a well strategised film.
Watching these two films made me see a greater insight on film and especially on the culture of Indians and their mode of lifestyle. Through this experience I can say that film has great or immense power to create a great essence on the person’s life. This has definitely been a wake-up call that film is not only there for fun or entertainment. But also to create an impact of upgraded unit to a person’s life.
About the writer
Rushel Rangala, 16, a member of the Lola Kenya Screen 2008 Festival Press, attends Cardinal Otunga High School in Mosocho, Kisii, Kenya.
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