This time around, she is not in the mood to send you into stitches with her usual hilarious comedies.

Perhaps, she has worn a serious face to challenge the country’s leadership, in her imaginary Vilekeke Kingdom to address issues that are particularly affecting the youth.

Nya Uyu: Young people are particularly experiencing these challenges

This is the new role Felistus ‘Nya Uyu’ Ngwira has embraced in her new short film Deep State: Untold tales of Vilekeke Kingdom.

Officially released last week on YouTube, Nya Uyu’s film tackles sexual violence, rape and suicide.

Nya Uyu said: “Young people are particularly experiencing these challenges. Thus a day cannot pass without hearing that a girl has been defiled or raped somewhere.”

She therefore said her short film seeks to raise awareness on sexual violence, rape and suicide while challenging leaders to take measures against these issues.

The film sees Nya-Uyu, as queen of Vilekeke Kingdom urging her subjects to desist from acts of sexual violence. She argues that the vice does not only injure girls, but also transmit the HIV and Aids.

The 21-minute-long movie is characterised by traditional dances. The positive side of the movie is the use of traditional dances, well designed costumes and the depiction of the Jere Ngoni traditions.

On the downside is the failure of some actors to speak proper English and Chichewa having no English subtitles.

Commenting on increased cases of suicide, a psychosocial support expert Prescott Thawe of Education Expertise Development Foundation recommended the move.

“There must be intensified psychosocial support services to empower young people, including survivors of rape, to reduce levels of trauma, stress and build resilience against other issues.

“Supporting each other in such situations is key to building people’s social and emotional development,” he said.

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