By investing in young storytellers today, Eswatini is building the foundation for a stronger local film and broadcasting industry tomorrow. The next generation of Eswatini’s filmmakers, actors, directors and storytellers is being invited to showcase its creativity through the 2027 ESCCOM High Schools’ Film Competition, an initiative aimed at nurturing young talent and contributing to the growth of the country’s creative industries.

Organised by the Eswatini Communications Commission, the competition provides high school learners with an opportunity to explore filmmaking, develop practical production skills and tell stories inspired by their experiences, culture and imagination.

As regulator of the broadcasting industry, ESCCOM recognises that a vibrant broadcasting sector requires more than effective regulation. It also depends on a continuous pipeline of skilled and creative individuals capable of producing quality local content that reflects the country’s cultures, languages, identities and lived experiences.

Developing local talent at an early age is therefore an important investment in the future of the industry. Through the competition, learners are introduced to different aspects of film production, including scriptwriting, acting, directing, cinematography, sound design and editing. Beyond discovering their creative abilities, participants gain exposure to potential career opportunities in broadcasting and the wider creative economy.

The impact of the inaugural competition demonstrated the value of providing young people with practical learning opportunities and professional mentorship. More than 120 high school learners received hands-on training and experience in various filmmaking disciplines, while 16 university students from the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) and Limkokwing University gained practical industry exposure through supporting and mentoring the participating learners.

The programme culminated in the production and premiere of four original short films, bringing together talent from all four regions of the Kingdom. The films showcased the creativity and storytelling abilities of young Emaswati, with Mkhondvo High School from the Shiselweni Region taking home the Best Film award for its production, The Last Breath. Other finalist high schools were St. John Bosco, Sisekelo and Somnjalose.

Beyond the competition awards, the property has already translated into meaningful opportunities for schools and students alike. . Feedback from participating schools highlighted positive educational outcomes, including one school introducing drama into its curriculum as a direct result of the programme. Two former participants also secured roles in professional local film productions and obtained representation through South African talent agency, Star Quality Management.

Furthermore, the films and the Young Directors reality series were broadcast on local television and shared online, giving emerging filmmakers greater visibility and demonstrating the potential of locally produced content to reach wider audiences.

Click on the link to catch up on our Young Directors Reality TV Show from the High Schools Short Film Competition 2026 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz430uwwto4InKjEmT2K1ezKGGqmSGCcp

Building on this foundation, the 2027 competition introduces an exciting concept known as the Mystery Frame Challenge. Participating learners are presented with a single image and challenged to imagine the story behind it, transforming the frozen moment into an original 90-second short film. In doing so, they can explore any genre, including drama, comedy, horror and action, provided that the mystery image is incorporated into their narrative.

The competition is open to all high school learners in Eswatini, who may use a cellphone or camera to produce their films, with the creative concept, scriptwriting and filming undertaken entirely by students. Films may be submitted in English, Siswati or Sign Language.

The competition offers a Best Picture prize of E50,000 for the winning film or school. Various individual learner awards are valued at E5,000 and university production crew awards are valued at E7,000, all recognising excellence across creative and technical categories.

ESCCOM also invites students and alumni from UNESWA and Limkokwing University to participate in production crews, providing further opportunities for practical experience and industry exposure. For details visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DK8kAzljbfz5AI8dxgt-rRRv6CvGRVaD/view?usp=sharing

With submissions closing on 11 December 2026, high school learners are encouraged to seize this opportunity to develop their skills, collaborate and bring their stories to life. Entries should be submitted to broadcasting@esccom.org.sz. Click on the link for competition details https://tinyurl.com/ShortFilmComp27

The ESCCOM High Schools’ Film Competition is more than a creative contest. It is an investment in young people, a platform for authentic local storytelling and a step towards building a skilled, diverse and sustainable broadcasting and creative industry in Eswatini.

The next great Eswatini story could begin with a learner who simply dares to imagine it.