Founded in 2013, nayanaya trust grew from Xoliswa Sithole being approached by many young South African women seeking mentorship and guidance on how to become filmmakers. nayanaya trust was founded and was able to raise support for films and stories that are not necessarily commercially driven but are socially important. Through training, mentoring and hands-on filmmaking, the organisation supports young women from disadvantaged communities to find their voice in front of and behind the camera, become agents of change in their communities, and they then return to mentor the next generation of storytellers.
We run practical film-based programmes that combine upskilling, mentorship, and production experience. Participants work on real projects where they learn storytelling, collaboration, and technical skills while developing their own creative voice and they own the copyright of their work.
Young women drive nayanaya trust's programs by creating non-profit films, nayanaya trust provides hands-on training and upskilling opportunities for emerging women filmmakers. We encourage participants to take the lead in creating their own stories, shaping and structuring how these will be told, developing and marketing their projects as they understand the communities in which they live and they learn to understand the bigger ecosystem, they use the films to raise funds and access to employment in the Film Industry.
nayanaya trust mentors young women from disadvantaged communities through hands-on filmmaking, workshops and practical skills training by bringing in experienced professionals. Participants gain confidence and experience both in front of and behind the camera.
nayanaya trust uses film as a tool for social change, creating space for stories and voices that are often overlooked. Through storytelling, young women are empowered to share their experiences and inspire dialogue within their communities.
nayanaya trust’s flagship programme, the yanaya gender film and dialogue festival showcases films exploring gender, LGBTQI+ identities, culture and social issues, with a focus on hosting the festival in rural and peri-urban communities. The festival creates space for conversation, learning and community engagement through film.
