Cynematik • Cyndi Greening

BY CYNDI GREENING, PHOENIX, USA — A few days ago, Jabbes posted a photograph taken near his mother’s village. We’ve been looking at images from Victoria Falls, Lusaka and numerous villages. It’s been a good experience for all of us because it helps us to envision where we’re going and what we’ll be seeing in the process of making these films. In addition to looking at images, Jabbes has been preparing us for the cultural differences. We’ve learned that “pants” in Zambia refers to underwear. Never say “Nice pants” to anyone in country. Asking for a “napkin” will get you a diaper. Wearing any clothing that exposes your stomach or midriff is highly offensive (not that I intended to wear any tube tops, anyway).

We’ve also been taught that there’s a difference between “city life” and “village life” in Zambia. City life, it seems, will be more familiar for those of us from the U.S. We’ve seen photos of shopping malls (thanks Dave), traffic turnabouts and statues. The geography makes it resemble a city in the American Southwest. Whenever Jabbes describes an area of Lusaka, he always begins by saying the “density” of the area. The images we’ve seen have been medium or low density. I think it is the high-density areas that will be most surprising. We do shoot in a high density area for a couple of days. I’m mentally trying to prepare for that.

The third week, we will be going to the Livingtone and, hopefully, Chipata areas. We also hope to visit Jabbes’ village and meet his tribal leader, Chieftainess Nyanje (pictured above). He has prepared us for the proper way to meet the tribal elders. I look forward to the opportunity to meet her. The cultural and educational exchanges are as important to me as making the films.