THE United Nations is set to showcase an award-winning documentary produced by a professor based at one of Scotland’s universities.
Professor Nick Higgins of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), a former Bafta nominee, worked with dirctor Dr Alastair Cole of Newcastle University to produce the film promoting awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity.
Colours of the Alphabet will be streamed to a global audience on Friday as part of the UN International Mother Language Day celebrations.
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The film will be made freely available in 40 different languages, including in 27 indigenous African languages, between February 19 and 21.
Colours of the Alphabet tells the story of three Zambian children, who were raised speaking indigenous languages, who go to school for the first time and discover that everything is taught in English.
While English is the official language of Zambia, 72 languages are spoken across the country.
According to the UN about 40% of the word’s population, or about 2.3 billion people, lack access to education in their own language.
Professor Higgins, who is the director of UWS’s Creative Media Academy and the programme leader on the university’s filmmaking degree, said: “This policy – which is not unique to Zambia - has consequences for a child’s sense of identity, self-esteem and pride in their indigenous culture.
“Colours of the Alphabet sets out to create awareness of this issue, and does so by allowing audiences to experience the confusion, hope and humour of these children as they navigate this new linguistic reality.
“I am very pleased that the UN has chosen to screen our film, on a year in which it is calling on governments around the world to scale up their commitment to multilingual education.”
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The film screening will take place online and will open with remarks from the director-general of the United Nations Geneva office, Tatiana Valovaya, followed by a Q&A session with Professor Higgins and Dr Cole.
Colours of the Alphabet was released in 2016 and featured at 56 film festivals, winning several awards. It was named Best Feature Film at the International Children’s Rights Film Festival and Best Documentary at the Shungu Namutitma International Film Festival.
You can watch the screening online at https://www.ungeneva.org/en/IMLD2021
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