April 4th, 2019
We reached out to Musola to see what had taken place since her visit to
Vienna, February 2019 where she attended the Zero Project Conference
and received the Her Abilities Award. These are the words Musola shared
with us:
Locally, people have now taken a different approach in how they look at my work. They have come to realize that there has not been appreciation of my work on a local level despite my contributions to both the disability and film industry. This change of mindset gives me confidence that probably there may be more local opportunities soon.
Two great opportunities I can mention are:
- On March 31st, 2019, I was awarded the African Women Arts and
Film Pioneer Award during the launch of the African Women Arts and Film
Festival in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Her Ability Award presentation in
Austria contributed in the sense that I was put on the world map and
some people realized that I was among the women who were working hard to
contribute in changing lives in my sector of interest-Disability and
Film.
- It is with great honor that the Her Abilities Award has granted me an opportunity to attend the conference "Women Deliver" this year as a speaker. In 2013 my film "Suwi" was selected for screening and discussions at the conference, but I could not manage to attend as I could not afford it. Since then I have tried almost every year to apply for the scholarships offered by "Women Deliver" which allows women to attend; however, I have always been unsuccessful. Last year I gave up because even when I tried to apply as a woman in media I did not succeed. It is simply humbling that by being a Her Abilities Award recipient and through Yetnebersh Nigussie's generosity I now will have the opportunity to attend Women Deliver and this time not just as a delegate, but as a speaker. This is big and I don't even know how to thank you guys.
I was away for school for 6 months and returned in December when holidays were just beginning. Officially, I came to the office after the trip to Austria and found it very challenging to run a non-profit organization that has no a full-time funder but survives on finding projects like making documentaries for various people to pay staff and bills.
Being in a country where the film industry is not developed and also being the first female professional filmmaker also comes along with its own complications. So I was a bit scared because it's like starting afresh looking for projects to sustain community work. But after being a Her Abilities Award recipient I feel confident that soon other opportunities will come.
My work is mostly voluntary and people do not know that because I work with or without money when I see a need. Only my family and very close friends know what is behind my smile.
Now I am hopeful with this award will help me find a funder and
purchase equipment for my work for sustainability. I am confident more
opportunities will come and I will make sure to keep you posted.
