Young femme and black under COVID19 in South Africa
CONCEPT NARRATIVE:
In critical moments of history such as the current Coronavirus pandemic, many accounts will be made for its varying impact on different economies, states and livelihoods. It is imperative in defining times as these, to undo the collective indifference that renders certain people and groups invisible while accounts of COVID-19 are documented, shared and archived as historical narratives. Erasure has previously suppressed the voices, contributions and presence of women over time, particularly Black, Coloured and Indian women, especially those who are poor and queer, and those who are poor, so it is of utmost importance to prioritize their visibility and equip them to tell their stories at this time.
This web series seeks to uplift the voices of black women in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic by creating a space for conversation among and through them that will tell their stories of survival, adaptation, struggle, triumph and innovation at a pivotal time in the world’s history. If they are not empowered to tell their own stories, there will be no representation of them that is not informed by the male gaze. Self-representation is critical. The web series will adopt an intimate, visually poetic and dynamic approach in facilitating conversations with young black women between the ages of 18-29 over a three-month period. (COVID 19 dependent Through these conversations the web series will create a platform for visually compelling and authentic narratives of young black women that can ensure their place in the continuously created history we are living in these times, while hopefully providing a space for other women around the world who may relate to their struggles and triumphs to feel seen, not alone and supported. It is not only documenting history as it is made, but bringing to light important conversations around equality, access, justice, safety and livelihoods.
