Voice of an African Nation

BY ROBBY BROWN, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Yesterday, a small chunk of the crew and I went to the art village where they make crafts for sale. We did a few interviews and shot some B-roll. We watched them make drums, bowls and brightly colored batik cloth. Seeing how they make what they sell was inspiring. We are artists, too. So I appreciate the skills that the people have and are preserving.

One man lured me into his hut where he shared space with a couple of other artists. He showed me different things. After explaining that I didn’t have any money he mentioned that he liked my hat. I told him, “So, have you ever heard of Greenday?” I showed him my souvenir watch and pointed at a stone carving of a family he had made. We traded. It was a great experience and I can’t wait to do it again.

Unfortunately the rest of the crew wasn’t having such a good day. Different problems with lights and power set the shoot back a day. Today, thank goodness, things are going great and both films are making excellent progress. I am thankful for this crew, this country and this opportunity. I am learning more than I ever expected and I have only been here five days! I often imagine how different my life will be when all of this is said and done. It’s part of what drives me to do my best. We are one well-oiled machine and I am fully confident that all of our talents combined will produce two amazing films.