Enriching entertainment
All Lubuto libraries feature indoor talking circles and large outdoor performance spaces open to the community. These spaces are frequently used to host community events, drama, music and dance performances, and movie screenings.
Movietime
Film showings have always been among Lubuto libraries’ most popular offerings. When Black Panther was released, it was obvious that it would be a smash hit with all ages. So when Jane Meyers brought Black Panther DVDs to Zambia last July, we were prepared for the instant and ongoing demand…especially as word got out on the schedule of showings at both the urban and rural Lubuto libraries. So many children flocked to the libraries for initial showings that we needed to assure them that they could see it again in coming days if they couldn’t squeeze in. And we have never stopped enjoying the sight of hundreds of boys and girls gleefully and proudly pouring out after each showing making the “Wakanda forever!” salute.
Equally as exciting for Lubuto moviegoers, however, is another award-nominated film, I Am Not a Witch, written and directed by Zambian filmmaker Rungano Nyoni. Shown at major film festivals around the world, Ms. Nyoni’s film about a young Zambian girl accused of witchcraft has garnered numerous awards—including the Best Feature Film at the Africa International Film Festival and the Best Directorial Debut at the Stockholm Film Festival. It was the UK’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2019 Academy Awards, and it currently holds a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. We agree that this is a wonderful film and a remarkable international debut for a young, female Zambian filmmaker!
But not only is I Am Not a Witch what Mark Kermode from The Observer called “comic, tragic—and captivatingly beautiful,” but it was also the film debut of two long-time LubutoDrama participants—19-year-old Mwengele Lwipa and 17-year-old Masa Zulu! In addition to being paid for their work, the boys got to travel around Lusaka during the shooting and see themselves on the big screen. Both have been overwhelmed by the experience, and Mwengele said, “This is what I am meant to do!” Considering that they have already been invited to audition for more movies, it seems he may be right.
Stories
Wonderful performances in this year's LubutoDrama program continue to thrill us, as well as the participants. It is striking how much the young people involved learn from the experience of adapting a story to a… Read more