MCC FACULTY SEEK ZAMBIAN EXCHANGE

Issued by: Katie Greisiger
Public Relations
602.740.1446

MESA, ARIZONA, USA — On August 8, 2006, four faculty members from Mesa Community College will accompany a 12-member student film crew to Zambia to assist in the making of that nation’s first dramatic narrative feature film. As part of an Innovative Project at MCC, the faculty will also create a companion documentary on their challenges to get the film made and gather curriculum materials for the college. In an effort to celebrate the contribution and connection between the two cultures, the faculty will visit the University of Zambia and the Evelyn Hone Technical College to discuss the possibility of an future educational exchange.

“Our goal is four-fold,” said Media Arts Program Director, Cyndi Greening, “First, we want to support Zambian native Jabbes Mvula in his effort to make dramatic narrative feature film about the rich cultural values and traditions in contemporary Zambia. Second, we are committed to helping establish the film industry and expanding economic opportunity for Zambian storytellers and filmmakers. Third, we hope the distribution of this film to the global cinema market will increase tourism and encourage international filmmakers to view Zambia as a potential film location. The final goal is probably the most important to us as professors. We hope to create an educational connection and ongoing exchange program between our two communities.”

Several grants from public institutions and private donors made it possible for the college to send the film crew and the state-of-the-art high-definition filmmaking equipment. Getting the crew to Zambia was only half the equation. There has been a great of deal in-kind support from the Zambian government, numerous Zambian corporations and Zambian Arts Patron, Dr. Edgar Ng’oma that will accommodate the crew during the four-week film shoot. Without the Zambian contribution, the films could not have been made.

“I went to the U.S. to learn filmmaking,” said former ZNBC producer Jabbes Mvula, “So I could return to my country and create opportunity for others. The generous support of the professors, students and administrators at MCC is very encouraging. And, I am so humbled by the commitment from Zambia. I am so grateful for this opportunity to bring Zambia to the world cinema.”

Based on a stage play by renowned Zambian playwright Samuel Kasankha, BAD T!MING is very contemporary tale that combines the dramatic narrative of modern life with the rich culture of the Zambian people. BAD T!MING is the story of Chiku, a respected social activist who is invited to lead the U.N. Task Force to investigate and improve the Future of the African Child. During this period, Chiku is also preparing for his wedding. The son of a Ngoni chief, he is to marry Mutinta, the daughter of a Tonga leader. Shortly before he marries, he is nearly seduced by a seemingly innocent neighborhood girl. When the police arrest him at his wedding, his bride is horrified to discover that her new husband is accused of rape. Wanting to avoid a life sentence in prison and discover who is trying to destroy him, Chiku begins an epic struggle to restore himself personally and professionally. A tale of failure, corruption, forgiveness and redemption, BAD T!MING reveals the social interactions of contemporary Zambians, set against the rich backdrop of Zambian countryside.