By Gibson C KAMANGA

It was not her dream career. Never in a million years did she ever thought she was going to end up holding a camcorder and capturing motion subjects. Her focus was to be at the bars; chewing the laws of the land.

However, as the adage preaches, tomorrow is never predictable. Such is the case with one Hazviperi Mbizi, a fourth year Journalism student at the Polytechnic under the University of Malawi. Hers is a journey not many dare to; not even the male folk, who are culturally regarded as more technically daft at such hands-on programmes as multi-media production.

Upon her selection to pursue a degree programme in Journalism at her academic institution, she was not that 100% amused. How could she when her mind was elsewhere? Howcouldshe be when journalism was her least favourite programme?

But time was to calm everything down. Fate had its own way of maneuvering, and maneuvering it did. She had to pursue Journalism.

Passion develops with time, and if there’s one living testimony, then Hazviperi is amongst them. One historical incident occurred whilst in her second year. As she recalls, that moment was to transform her life forever. It was the moment multi-media production was to become her gate-pass to the promised land.

“I was among the 10 students who were selected to do a TV project under Care International along-side 10 other Journalism students from the University of Carolina, USA. This was a hands-on experience which made me develop interest in video production,” she recollects.

That was the genesis of this upcoming female videographer who is on the journey to make a statement in the field that is largely male-dominated.

But for those who are conversant with Journalism, it is multi-facet. Multi-media production is just a chip into the jungle that is journalism. Developing a passion for multi-media production is one thing, but having the motivation to carry on is totally a new world altogether. More so, bearing in mind that our country is still laden with traditionally aligned careers, venturing in multi-media production, for a lady, is something eye-brow raising. Truth be told, not many a lady has ventured into this otherwise lucrative business. So, what convinced her she was going to make it in this arena?

“When it comes to TV in Malawi, oftentimes, ladies are either presenters or actresses, so I got the inspiration from the US partner who I worked with in shooting and editing because she is a girl just like me. So I decided to follow suit and be the odd one out in Malawi. I was pretty sure I was going to make it,” she highlights.

Such was the inspiration. Youthful Hazvi had confidence in her abilities. Her will power told her not to relent. And relenting she didn’t. More so, having tasted the wells of multi-media production, she observed one thing, and it is this aspect that convinced her she was going to ascend the echelons of dominance in the industry.

“I’d observed that TV production, and multi-media production in general has no real formula like other fields where you follow the same pattern. This field is about creativity which cannot be uniform.  It’s an art. I’ve my uniqueness which can’t be compared to any other producers on the market.” She revealed.

And that was not all.

“Being a female producer, also does have an added advantage.”

That has been the glorious ascendency of Hazviperi onto the dreaded field of multi-media production. So, how does it feel meddling in an otherwise ‘male’ dominated field? Isn’t it scary?

“Awesome. It feels so awesome because people find it fascinating when they see me in my line of duty.” She explained.

Equally significant has been the reception her various clients have showered onto her, whenever in the line of duty.

“The reception has been very encouraging; actually because most of them seem eager to see the outcome of my production. So, indirectly, I feel my sex is somehow working to my advantage,” she chides in.

So, as she is on her journey to stardom, Hazviperi feels she owes her creativity to one Laurine Meke, proprietor for Hub Media, and Laura TV. According to Hazvi, her life in the multi-media production has been simplified courtesy of the former.

“Laurine has been the hub of my career. Apart from mentoring me practically, she’s also been motivating me to keep my head above the waters whenever faced with strong tides. Words alone can’t create a vivid picture of what she means to me,” she confesses.  

The secret

According to Hazvi, videography is all about perseverance and creativity.

“Videography is all about passion, patience, and multi skilling. There’s no way you can succeed in this field if you’re a lone ranger. You need to be a people person, humble, and be able to work under pressure, among others.” She advises.

……

Such has been the glorious journey of this ambitious female videographer, Hazviperi Mbizi. To all upcoming females, she is an unsung hero in breaking gender-stereotypes. Through her works, she is proving to the world that there is no boundary as far as human capabilities are concerned. She is an epitome of hope to all marginalized young females who, through their sex, are being highly underrated.

To all her fellow ambitious young females, Hazvi says impossible is nothing.

“Don’t underestimate yourself because you are a lady, everything is possible. If you can think it, you can do it.” She advises.