Up-and-coming film producer and a survivor of gender-based violence (GBV), Zama Qhwesha (22), has recently completed filming her short film titled Noloyiso, an eye-opening production that tackles the burning issue of GBV.
The 52-minute-long short film revolves around the main character, Noloyiso, played by Nombongo Matomane, who becomes a victim of rape by a university student representative council (SRC) member, after having left her rural home in the Eastern Cape and going to Johannesburg to further her studies.
The Lusikisiki-born Qhwesha said the main message she was driving home through her short film was for the victims of GBV to come forward and press charges at police stations and speak openly about the attacks, so that their abusers can face the consequences of their evil actions.
“The story is about a 22-year-old lady, named Noloyiso, who is raised by her grandmother as her only grandchild after her mother and siblings left her for Johannesburg.
“Having passed matric, Noloyiso is now headed to University of Johannesburg as the first person from her home to go to a tertiary institution.
“Upon arrival at the university, Noloyiso becomes a victim of rape by an SRC member, named Themba, and she is not ashamed to press charges, unlike his other victims who feared this powerful figure.
“Others did press charges, but their cases would disappear or be mysteriously closed,” Qhwesha said, while explaining the synopsis of her short film.
“The inspirational message we are conveying to victims of GBV, through the short film, is that light always overcomes darkness, and everyone will account for their actions, as in the film Themba who has raped many women with impunity is finally held to account for his actions through the tenacity of Noloyiso,” the filmmaker added.
Qhwesha said the short film was not yet available to the public to watch because she was busy submitting proposals to have it flighted on SABC and DStv platforms.
The short film was shot at two guesthouses in Mthatha, as well as on location in Bhaziya and in Tabase, outside Mthatha.
The short film is a collaborative effort between Qhwesha and her business partner and film producer, Dr Yongama Mrwetyana, through Amagubevu Communications.
