UNIT P – Montwood, an initiative of Kumkani FM recently launched the Unit P storytelling program in collaboration with Vodacom, with the aim of developing local talent in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. This program focuses on supporting emerging writers and filmmakers by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to create their own films.
The initiative has already attracted the attention and participation of numerous individuals in Ward 24 showcasing their talents in various forms such as music, dance, games, and poetry. This outpouring of talent has been met with great support from both local residents and influential figures within the community.
Melisizwe Tutu, the councilor of Ward 24, expressed his gratitude for the program, stating that it aligns perfectly with his commitment to prioritizing the development of young people in the area.
“We want a developed community and a youth that is free from drugs and alcohol,”Tutu added.
Under his leadership, the council has thus far invested heavily in sports equipment to encourage and nurture the youth of Ward 24, Tutu conveyed a message of appreciation on behalf of the entire community stating that initiatives like Montywood provide a beacon of hope for the future.
Unathi Dyubula the founder of Kumkani FM and Montywood explained that the program was created in response to the growing number of young people interested in entering the entertainment industry. Many individuals from the Eastern Cape have been forced to migrate to other provinces in search of opportunities often leading to high levels of competition and stress.
Dyubula emphasized that Montywood aims to provide a platform and opportunities for these individuals to develop their skills within their own communities.
In addition to providing the necessary support for production the program also includes assistance with marketing and distribution of the participants’ work.
“Montywood is an online television platform accessible through a dedicated app we will ensure that the stories created through the Unit P storytelling program reach a wider audience,” Dyubula.
The success of the campaign has resulted in plans to expand the initiative to other wards, including Scenery Park in Ward 26, Nxarhuni in Ward 31, and Bhongweni in Ward 15. Furthermore, Montywood has committed to helping the participants in Ward 24 raise funds to continue their creative efforts.
The program’s ultimate goal is the Montywood film series, scheduled to take place on September 9, 2023.
This event will serve as a peak of the efforts and talents discovered through the Unit P storytelling program, showcasing the potential and creativity of the local talent in the Buffalo City Metro.
