Can You See Us?

Can You See Us?
Can You See Us?
Directed by	Kenny Mumba
Written by	Andrew Thompson; Lawrence Thompson;
Produced by	Yasmin Dodia; Lawrence Thompson;
Starring	Thabo Kaamba; George Sikazwe; Ruth Jule; Kangwa Chileshe; Kondwani Elliot Zulu;
Cinematography	Chosa Mweemba; Daliso Nyirenda; Brendan Wasserman;
Edited by	Nathan Busumani; Leon Gerber;
Music by	Sam Nyambe; Magnus Mando;
Distributed by	Netflix
Release date	October 26, 2022;
Running time	109 minutes
Country	Zambia
Languages	English; Chichewa;

Can You See Us? is a 2022 Zambian film. It was directed by Kenny Mumba and loosely fictionalised by Andrew Thompson and Lawrence Thompson.

The film is loosely based on the life of the John Chiti, a child born with albinism. It premiered on Netflix on 27 August 2023, becoming the first Zambian film to be released on the platform.^[1]^[2]

Harry Graham, Producer at BBC mentions, "Growing up with albinism, Zambian singer John Chiti faced a lot of stigma. As a boy, he was bullied, and as an adult he faced barriers to his music."^[3]

Plot

Joseph is born with albinism to a family in Zambia and is immediately rejected by his father, who believes the child is a curse. Despite this rejection, Joseph’s mother raises him with love and determination, encouraging him to pursue education and believe in himself. As he grows up, Joseph faces persistent discrimination and bullying from his peers and members of the community because of his condition.

At school, Joseph struggles socially but discovers a passion and talent for music. Encouraged by supportive individuals in his life, he begins to develop confidence through singing and performing. However, he continues to face rejection, including from his father, whose refusal to accept him deeply affects him emotionally.

As Joseph matures, he remains determined to overcome the challenges associated with albinism and social stigma. Through perseverance and the support of his mother and others who believe in him, he continues to pursue his musical ambitions. Eventually, Joseph’s talent gains recognition, helping him build a sense of identity and purpose.

Over time, his success leads to a change in how some people around him view him, including members of his family. Joseph’s journey reflects his resilience in the face of rejection and highlights broader issues surrounding the treatment of people with albinism in society.

Cast

Thabo Kaamba as Young Joseph
George Sikazwe as Older Joseph
Ruth Jule as Chama
Chileleko T. Kalusa as Baby Joseph
Kondwani Elliot Zulu as Martin
Kristin Owen as Neighbor
Didi Mercy Sakala as Nurse
Dinga'tse Sendama as Teacher
Fransisca Muchangwe (Francisca M. Muchangwe) as Jennifer
Robert Nyirenda as Mad Man

References

↑ Joshua Jere (August 31, 2023). ""Can You See Us" Gets Global Attention". Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
↑ Kathy Short (September 10, 2023). "Zambian Film Focuses on Hardships Faced by Boy With Albinism". Voice Of Africa. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
↑ Mobeen Azhar (August 28, 2024). "It was a shock - they'd never seen a person with albinism in the limelight". BBC Outlook. Retrieved August 28, 2024.

[1] Joshua Jere (August 31, 2023). ""Can You See Us" Gets Global Attention". Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved October 7, 2023.

[2] Kathy Short (September 10, 2023). "Zambian Film Focuses on Hardships Faced by Boy With Albinism". Voice Of Africa. Retrieved October 7, 2023.

[3] Mobeen Azhar (August 28, 2024). "It was a shock - they'd never seen a person with albinism in the limelight". BBC Outlook. Retrieved August 28, 2024.

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