Bo-Kaap based non-profit tackles youth unemployment through film opportunities

Tern Agency in Bo-Kaap helps young people get involved in the film industry and gain valuable work experience.

The Bo-Kaap-based non-profit company is helping open the doors for young people in the film and creative industries.

Tasneem Isaacs and Ryan Swartz founded the agency during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to connect youth, particularly from under-resourced communities in the Cape Flats, with paid opportunities in local television shows and films as background actors.

They have helped over 3,000 people gain valuable work experience that acts as a stepping stone into the broader workforce.

In addition to the work opportunities, they teach those working with them about professional behaviour, set etiquette, and navigating the film industry.

“It is basically a casting agency where young people can get a foot in the door in the film sector,” says People’s Post journalist Kaylynne Bantom.

At one shoot, the team were approached by a gang, who told them they would need to leave the area at a specific time.

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However, Tasneem spoke to one of the alleged gang members and explained that they would not be able to leave because of what they were doing.

He responded, saying that he had always dreamed of being an actor, and she helped get him a role in one of their projects.

To listen to People’s Post journalist Kaylynne Bantom in conversation with Clarence Ford on CapeTalk’s Views and News, click on the audio below: