Cinematographer Peter Mazunda has produced a digital web series to raise awareness on tobacco harm reduction and encourage discussions on the health risks associated with smoking.
The series, titled The Switch, premiered on Saturday and comprises 10 episodes, each lasting five to six minutes, with new episodes released monthly on digital platforms.
The first episode introduces Yusuf, a smoker whose wife urges him to quit after he develops a persistent cough.
However, he attributes the condition to dust rather than smoking.
A nurse later encourages Yusuf to seek medical attention, raising the possibility of tuberculosis before he is introduced to vaping as an alternative to smoking.
In an interview, Mazunda said the project was inspired by his participation in a tobacco harm reduction course through a scholarship programme, which prompted him to explore how film could be used to communicate information about tobacco-related harm.
“I believe film is more memorable because once people see the images remain for long. With social media, it is also easily accessible to people,” he said.
Mazunda said the series focuses on tobacco-related issues in everyday life, including passive smoking in homes, gender, HIV and Aids and other underlying health conditions as well as cultural influences on smoking.
“We have taken into consideration lots of aspects that affect us in life in line with tobacco,” he said.
The production features about 15 actors, including five principal cast members with a female character playing a key role in exploring gender-related issues.
Mazunda, who is also the producer said the short episodes are designed to make the content accessible to audiences who use social media, allowing them to watch the series at their convenience.
“I hope people will take this seriously. Tobacco smoking effects us indirectly or directly. I hope people watch this and take the message seriously,” he said.
The series seeks to contribute to the discussions on tobacco harm reduction, including smoking cessation and alternatives proven by health professionals and credible scientific sources.
Actress Miriam Phiri, who plays a nurse in the series, said she was privileged to be part of the production to help educate audiences on the risks associated with tobacco use.
She said storytelling can influence people’s behaviour by helping them understand the consequences of their choices and encourage them to make informed decisions about their health.
