MASERU — Two Limkokwing University of Creative Technology film students will next month spend two weeks on an intensive film internship programme in the United States.
Pitso Pitso, 20, and Toka Monakane, 23, will spend 11 days in the US with film director Andrew Mudge who recently directed a local movie, The Forgotten Kingdom.
The two have been working with the American film-maker for the past six months soaking up techniques in film production from the American film-maker.
Mudge told the Weekender this week he chose the two out of eight interns he had on the set of the Forgotten Kingdom.
“Of the eight interns I worked with in the production of The Forgotten Kingdom, these two were outstanding and very passionate that’s why I chose them. Their heads were in the project and they showed discipline and determination,” Mudge said.
“This initiative is supported by the United States Embassy in Lesotho which will be catering for all their expenses.”
He said the internship was meant to bridge relations between the two countries adding that the internship programme was a long-term investment in talented Basotho students.
“This is a long-term investment by the American government to help develop the growing film industry in Lesotho,” Mudge said.
He said the US Embassy had asked him to choose two individuals who would be attached to him as interns in the US.
Pitso told the Weekender the trip was a key stepping stone on his path towards a successful film career.
“This is a dream come true for every filmmaker in a small country.
“Most great movies and films are produced in America. So really this is a great opportunity for us to learn, return home and use the skills to develop our film industry,” Pitso said.
He said during their internship in Lesotho, Mudge was always motivating them to strive for excellence.
“As part of the crew members of The Forgotten Kingdom, Andrew always motivated us and our input was always appreciated.
“I am very excited to get this opportunity,” Pitso said.
Monakane told the Weekender he was looking forward to returning from the US better equipped to create great films.
“I have always wanted to tell stories and this is a great opportunity to go and establish connections for future projects.
“Working in the same set as South African actors taught me the best is yet to come but only with determination and hard work,” Monakane said.
The duo will be helping in the editing of The Forgotten Kingdom, which was shot in Lesotho in April and June covering the winter and summer seasons.
