Untold Overview

Southern Africa has the highest HIV infection rates in the world and now more than ever we need to act together to stem its tide. Nine organisations from across Southern Africa have collaborated to produce a collection of extraordinary films: nine films from nine countries which tell stories previously untold: of love and hope, secrets and lies, courage and betrayal in a time of HIV and Aids. 

Through this project, a community of new voices is being built. Untold presents nine African films, each with a distinct voice. A rare insight into the choices and challenges facing us all.

Untold, is part of a groundbreaking cross-border health communication project, led by Soul City: Institute for Health & Development Communication, which is working with partners in eight other southern African countries to tackle HIV and Aids.

The project, the largest locally developed prevention communication programme in Africa, is also building and training a community of regional writers and filmmakers. Eleven writers and nine producers from across the region attended an intensive 18-month accredited training course in scriptwriting and film production. 

The multifaceted training programmed consisted of: workshops with writers and filmmakers coming together from across the region; follow-up assignments, mentorship and technical support provided by well-known directors and producers on set and during pre- and postproduction. The project has unearthed new talent both in front of and behind the camera.

Quality scripts with dramatic story lines have been researched and tested with the target audience.

Untold brings films from Swaziland, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The series is sponsored by BP, the Royal Netherlands Embassy, the European Union, DFID and Irish Aid.