The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has officially launched its High School Film Competition, a bold initiative aimed at nurturing creativity, discovering talent, and shaping the future of the country’s broadcasting and creative industries.
Eswatini’s next generation of storytellers is ready to shine!
The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has officially launched its High School Film Competition, a bold initiative aimed at nurturing creativity, discovering talent, and shaping the future of the country’s broadcasting and creative industries.
Announcing the launch, ESCCOM Chief Executive Mvilawemphi Dlamini said, “we are not just launching a competition; we are opening a platform for young voices, igniting creative dreams, and unlocking new possibilities for the future of our country.”
This exciting competition invites high school students to step into the spotlight and explore filmmaking, scriptwriting, acting, directing, sound production, and production management.
Participants will not only learn the craft of creating films but also the invaluable life skills of teamwork, discipline, and creative problem-solving.
Dlamini emphasized the bigger picture, “this initiative is about investment. An investment in young people, in local storytelling, and in the future of our broadcasting sector.”
By encouraging students to produce stories that reflect Eswatini’s culture, languages, and lived experiences, ESCCOM aims to cultivate a vibrant pipeline of local content creators.
The competition also bridges the gap between secondary and higher education. University students from the University of Eswatini and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology will mentor and collaborate with high school filmmakers, offering practical experience that classroom lessons alone cannot provide.
This hands-on approach ensures participants gain the skills and confidence to pursue careers in the creative industries.
“The ESCCOM High School Film Competition represents our belief in the power of young people, the value of local content, and the role of creativity in national development,” Dlamini said.
He added that today’s student filmmaker could be tomorrow’s entrepreneur, director, or digital innovator, underscoring the competition’s potential for both personal growth and national economic impact.
Strong partnerships have made the project possible. First National Bank of Eswatini contributed E 200,000, and UNESCO added E100,000, highlighting a shared commitment to youth empowerment and creative development.
The Ministry of Education and Training also provided crucial support, ensuring schools and students are fully engaged.
Dlamini encouraged schools, educators, and students to embrace the competition with enthusiasm.
Aligning with the Competency-Based Curriculum, the initiative promotes creativity, communication, collaboration, and practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
“This is your chance to tell your stories, discover your talents, and open doors to possibilities you may not yet have imagined,” Dlamini said, speaking directly to students.
With the stage set and cameras ready, the ESCCOM High School Film Competition promises to shine a spotlight on Eswatini’s brightest young creatives, their stories, and their dreams.
The country is watching, and the future looks exceptionally bright.
