White Yet Black documentary uncovers the ills experienced by people with Albinism

Persons with albinism are hopeful that the White Yet Black documentary will raise awareness on ending acts of abductions and killings.

The documentary produced with funding from the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa-OSISA has been showcased in Lilongwe and Blantyre.

It was shot in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Malawi to raise awareness on issues affecting persons with albinism in Southern Africa.

Speaking in an interview with Capital FM, reigning Miss Albinism Chikondi Kanjadza has expressed satisfaction with the documentary, saying it exposes other threats that people with albinism face apart from the killings and abductions.

“It’s a good way of advocating for issues of persons with albinism, because not only does it explain about ritual killings and abductions, but it also brings out other issues as well,’’ explains Kanjadza.

Kanjadza appealed to the producers of the film to ensure that it is translated into local languages and distributed to rural communities, as well as primary schools.

Director of the documentary, Steven Chikosi has indicated that the documentary is set to raise the much needed awareness on the sufferings of people with albinism.

“This story has been received quite well, from the streaming that we’ve had you can see that this is a very topical issue and was kept under the carpet for a long time,’’ Chikosi explained.

Chikosi added that they have already started making arrangements to have the documentary translated into some local languages, including Chewa and Shona for people in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The justice system has of late taken the credit of meting out stiff penalties and sentences to those found guilty of attacks on persons with albinism.

And High Court Judge, Zione Ntaba has applauded the documentary, stating it recognizes persons with albinism as people.

‘‘That element cannot be underplayed, but must be over-emphasized and if we continue to have that message across that definitely will change the context of our discussions and especially the realities of persons with albinism,’’ Ntaba has said.

People with albinism also being recognised in the arts sector and being included in various platforms such as pageantry and fashion.