adminAuxilia Katongomara Saturday Leisure Correspondent
OVER the years, concern has been raised on the fast dwindling number of movie-going audiences and cinema houses which were slowly turning into white elephants.
Production of local films has also been on the low, with just a handful of productions making a mark like yesteryear films Neria, Yellow Card and Everyone’s Child.
Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF) has decided to rekindle the love for movies by bringing some of the best films for Bulawayo fans to enjoy as the festival marks its 10th anniversary.
The festival is an annual event which will be running in both Harare and Bulawayo under the theme “Zimbabwe Film Making in Retrospect.”
Speaking to Saturday Leisure, veteran actor and one of the co-ordinators of the festival, Stephen Chigorimbo, said the festival had gone into partnership with the Rainbow Cinemas where the films would be showing.
“We saw it fit to bring it to Bulawayo as well because we have a number of films featuring Bulawayo actors.
“We have a partnership with the Rainbow Cinemas and this will see movie goers experiencing five days of entertainment through film,” said Chigorimbo, popularly known as Huni, from his role in local soapie Studio 263.
On of the major highlights during the festival is the premiere of the much awaited film Sinners. The film was recently transformed from being a play to feature film.
The action-packed film, based on female rapists, has sent tongues wagging with modelling instructor and actress, Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda playing a prostitute in the play.
Written by first-timer Patrick Chasaya, the film chronicles the strange phenomenon which drew national attention when three Gweru women were arrested and charged with “raping” close to two dozen men, and then “harvesting” their sperm for what was suspected to be ritual purposes back in 2011.
Sinners has exceeded expectations and broke most boundaries in terms of subject matter, graphic content and all-round performance from the cast and crew.
The festival will see the audiences rubbing shoulders with some of the actors.
“The success of this festival is hinged on the response by the people of Bulawayo. If they come in their numbers then we will be able to bring more films even after the festival,” said the veteran actor.
Award winning British film, Cry Freedom is also part of the line-up. The film, set in the 1970s during the South African apartheid era, stars American actor Denzel Washington and Chigorimbo.
The film was primarily shot on location in Zimbabwe due to political turmoil in South Africa. Some of the scenes were shot in Magwegwe and Njube.
Other films to be shown on the big screen are Soweto Drifters, Souls of Emmanuel, Kini and Adams and Gentleman.
Manager at Elite 400, Joseph Dzimati confirmed the partnership and added that the evening slot would have the audience meeting the actors.
“We want to create a Hollywood platform where we try to bridge the gap between the audience and actors. There will be a 30 minute interaction of the audience and actors before screening of a film,” he said.
Online Reporter