2022 Highlights at Orant Charities Africa. See what we accomplished.
Yankho
A Virtual Reality Film from the Warm Heart of Africa

In 2022, Orant wrote, produced, and filmed its first ever Virtual Reality film. In Yankho, a Malawian mother’s dreams for her daughter are altered by the challenges of rural poverty. Yankho will premier as an Invited Film at Denton Black Film Festival’s TEC(H) Expo. On January 27 – January 28, 2023, viewers will have the opportunity to strap on a headset and step into rural Malawi to experience Nankhoma’s story through virtual reality.
Why virtual reality?
While Orant is based in Malawi, its supporters are global.
Our decision to work with 360 degree, virtual reality film was based on its storytelling capacity. Nothing immerses you quite like VR. You are surrounded by the sights and sounds of the story. With Yankho, we wanted to transport the viewer into our community and show them firsthand what life is like for the people we serve in Malawi.
Who was involved in the film?
Like all of Orant’s work, Yankho was created in collaboration. Orant’s US staff worked with Praise Padambo, Orant’s Malawian Marketing Officer, to write the script and produce the film. Praise cast the acting team with members from Orant’s community. They are both the staff behind our programs and the beneficiaries of them.
Colletar, who played the role of Nankhoma, says, “For me, it has not been acting as much as living my daily life.”
Is the film documentary or fiction?
Docu-fiction! The story of Yankho is fictionalized based on the real lives of Malawian women. But the setting is straight from reality. Matchondo village in the film is Matchondo village in real life. Colettar invited us to use her home for the scenes in the village. The well is the well she uses daily. The women at the well are not actors, just humans, collecting water before sunrise as they do every day.
How can someone watch Yankho?
Join us in person at the Denton Black Film Festival or watch online. Stay tuned for how to access the film online. Information for in person below.
Where: Denton Civic Center
321 E McKinney St. Denton, TX 76201
When: January 27-28th
Showings:
Friday, Jan 27th, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday, Jan 28th, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
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