The jury called the film “touching, with a deep, sincere story and a strong message of personal strength” and the SABC believes this is yet another validation of its ability to tell authentic African stories. The film forms part of the Lights Camera Project that seeks to give a voice to children between the ages of 10 and 16. This project exposes young people to the world of film and storytelling.
This is a wonderful achievement and everybody who was involved in this production should be very proud says Jacqui Hlongwane Lights Camera Action Project leader.
Twelve-year-old Amber-Jay van Rooyen's story Learn to be Yourself is the KwaZulu-Natal winning story in the Lights Camera Action film and story writing competition that was launched in June 2006 by the SABC. Her winning story was made into a short film in 2007 with her as the lead role and this year received accolades from the CIAK International story writing and film competition which took place in May 2009 in Treviso, Italy.
