All set for Becoming Madam Boss Bulawayo premiere

AFTER three years of production and a US$65 000 investment, the biographical film Becoming Madam Boss is set to make its Bulawayo debut this weekend with a red-carpet premiere at the Bulawayo Theatre.

The film, which chronicles the life journey of popular entertainer Madam Boss, born Tarisai Cleopatra Munetsiwa, has already generated significant buzz following its successful premiere in Harare last weekend.

Written and directed by Sydney Tavavaishe, the film takes audiences through Madam Boss’ rise from humble beginnings in Madziva to becoming one of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable entertainment personalities.

Madam Boss’ manager, Fanuel Masunungure, said the project was inspired by a desire to tell a story that many Zimbabweans could relate to.

“It took us about three years working on this movie, which talks about the life of Madam Boss from humble beginnings in Madziva. We might not capture it exactly as it is because Becoming Madam Boss is about how she was raised and the challenges she faced. The situation applies to many people who faced similar circumstances as they grew up,” said Masunungure.

He described the production as more than just a film, saying it carries a powerful message about perseverance and determination.

“We worked with Sydney Tavavaishe, who did most of the production work, and it was a marvel working with him. He vividly captured the life of Madam Boss, who was a dedicated woman from childhood until she made it to the top.

“Becoming Madam Boss is more than just a movie; it’s an experience that will certainly capture the hearts of many.”
Bringing the film to life was not without challenges. Masunungure revealed that financial constraints almost derailed the project before critical support arrived.

“It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows as the production faced many challenges before being presented as the success that it is today. One of the main obstacles that we faced was a lack of sponsorship and finances to finish the movie.

We didn’t have enough financial support until ZBC came and partnered with us. We really appreciate them for the role they played in making sure that we were able to finish the production.”

According to Masunungure, the final production cost reached US$65 000 as the team sought to meet international film standards.

“We wanted the film to meet international standards, so we invested in top-quality equipment and worked with some of the best actors in the industry. We also had to accommodate the cast in Harare for several weeks during production, as some of the actors travelled from outside the city,” he said.

The film also explores deeply personal aspects of Madam Boss’ life, including her relationship with her family and, in particular, her late brother Gudo.
Despite building her career through comedy skits that made her a social media sensation, Masunungure said Madam

Boss adapted seamlessly to the demands of feature-film acting.

“Madam Boss is a natural when it comes to acting. She blended in very well, even though it was a little different from doing skits.”

The idea for the film was first pitched by Tavavaishe three years ago, a proposal that immediately resonated with the team.

“It was an idea that a young, brilliant award-winning director pitched to us three years ago. We saw the vision and went along with it as Madam Boss’ story needed to be told and what better way to tell a story than to do it yourself,” said Masunungure.

The Bulawayo premiere is expected to be a glamorous affair, with organisers encouraging fashion lovers and film enthusiasts to embrace the red-carpet experience.

“We want Bulawayo to come out in full force and embrace the red-carpet experience. We’re bringing the glamour and professionalism we have witnessed at international events such as the BET Awards. Bulawayo is home to incredible talent and fashion lovers, and we’re inviting residents to join us in celebrating and launching this beautiful African story together,” said Masunungure.

Following its Zimbabwean screenings, the film is expected to embark on an international tour targeting audiences in the diaspora.

The premiere comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s film industry is experiencing renewed momentum through the Government’s five-year Film Strategy and increased support from the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, which has set aside US$10 million for content creators.

Masunungure believes such initiatives are already producing tangible results.
“All the Zimbabwean film industry needs is meaningful support, and the impact is already visible. Since the

Government, through ZBC, announced a US$10 million fund for content creators, there has been a noticeable increase in the production and submission of films, short stories and other creative projects.

“The future looks promising for Zimbabwe’s film industry, and much of that optimism is being driven by the support being extended through the national broadcaster,” he said.

Madam Boss has built an impressive career as a comedian, actress, musician and entrepreneur. She became the first Zimbabwean content creator to surpass one million followers on Facebook through her viral comedy skits and has since expanded into regional television and film productions, including appearances in The Offspring, South Africa’s uBettina Wethu and the Netflix film The Bad Bishop.

With Becoming Madam Boss, she now adds feature film lead actress to her growing list of achievements, signalling what could be the beginning of a new chapter in her entertainment career.

“This is definitely the beginning of Madam Boss’ journey to the big screen.”