Sunshine Cinema is a non-profit solar-powered media network working through Southern Africa to address youth unemployment. We equip young entrepreneurs with a Sunbox (mobile solar cinema kit) and the skills necessary to become media facilitators, earn an income and spark social change.
Sunshine Cinema is a non-profit solar-powered media network working through Southern Africa to address youth unemployment. We equip young entrepreneurs with a Sunbox (mobile solar cinema kit) and the skills necessary to become media facilitators, earn an income and spark social change.
Unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing young people in Africa today. By training young people to become media entrepreneurs, impact facilitators and active citizens, we empower them to earn an income from gig work and make a difference in their communities. Through showing relevant films to an African audience, we harness the power of storytelling to spark change around important local issues such as: youth unemployment, gender-based violence, conservation and media literacy.
Unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing young people in Africa today. By training young people to become media entrepreneurs, impact facilitators and active citizens, we empower them to earn an income from gig work and make a difference in their communities. Through showing relevant films to an African audience, we harness the power of storytelling to spark change around important local issues such as: youth unemployment, gender-based violence, conservation and media literacy.
Rowan Pybus and Sydelle Willow Smith, filmmakers and anthropologists, created Amazing Grace, a film about Lloyd Maanyina, a Zambian charcoal burner, who began planting trees as a ‘payback’ to nature. However, he was unable to watch this award-winning documentary because of expensive data and airtime, and lack of wifi and cinemas.
This led to the idea of the Sunbox – a mobile solar cinema that reaches local communities. The project gradually expanded to become Sunshine Cinema, a fully-fledged non-profit organisation in 2017. The initiative supports the training and employment of youth from rural and peri-urban areas in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Kenya.
Rowan Pybus and Sydelle Willow Smith, filmmakers and anthropologists, created Amazing Grace, a film about Lloyd Maanyina, a Zambian charcoal burner, who began planting trees as a ‘payback’ to nature. However, he was unable to watch this award-winning documentary because of expensive data and airtime, and lack of wifi and cinemas.
This led to the idea of the Sunbox – a mobile solar cinema that reaches local communities. The project gradually expanded to become Sunshine Cinema, a fully-fledged non-profit organisation in 2017. The initiative supports the training and employment of youth from rural and peri-urban areas in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Kenya.
At Sunshine Cinema, we prioritise purpose over profit when selecting our projects. Our partnerships are with organisations and individuals who share our ethical values and are committed to creating impact. We strive to share stories that inspire audiences globally to engage in positive social change.
At Sunshine Cinema, we prioritise purpose over profit when selecting our projects. Our partnerships are with organisations and individuals who share our ethical values and are committed to creating impact. We strive to share stories that inspire audiences globally to engage in positive social change.
How a South African solar-powered mobile cinema is creating jobs for young people
A South African film initiative, Sunshine Cinema, is creating training and job opportunities for young people, using solar-powered cinemas.
These mobile theatres were developed by husband-and-wife team Rowan Pybus and Sydelle Smith, in 2013.
