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Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya
WHEN Cont Mhlanga announced his retirement from the arts industry early last year, those close to him knew that it was completely impossible for the illustrious arts figure to peel himself from the trade.
Almost a year and 10 months down the line, Mhlanga finds himself in an arts role that will keep him busy, as the film making industry in Zimbabwe slowly restores its fading lustre.
A week ago, along with Josh Nyapimbi, Mhlanga was named the patron for the new kid on the block Southern Filmmakers Society which is made up of 11 members who have been key in film making in Zimbabwe.
a�?We have an opportunity in partnership with our strategic partner together with Mr Cont Mhlanga to transform our industry through vibrant ideas, initiatives and projects designed to restore this region as the cultural and creative hub of the country,a�? said the chairperson of the Southern Film Makers association Trey Ncube.
The members of the society are chairperson Trey Ncube, vice-chairperson Kudzai Chikomo, administrative secretary Priscilla Sithole Ncube, treasurer Thembelihle Moyo, business development officer/public relations Admire Kudita, head of training and education sub-committee Johane Mpofu, head of fundraising sub-committee Chris Mapuranga, head of productions sub-committee Qinisela, head of research sub-committee Naison Tfwala and head of marketing and promotions sub-committee Mthabisi Onias Ndlovu.
Ncube said they were honoured to have Mhlanga and Nyapimbi as patrons for their society.
a�?The Southern Filmmakers Society is run by an interim committee of 11 people who have come together in order to galvanise and push the interests of filmmakers in the southern region of Zimbabwe and in the long-term beyond our borders. That being said, we also have as our patrons the distinguished Cont Mhlanga and Josh Nyapimbi whoa��s also our strategic partner through Nhimbe Trust,a�? said Ncube.
Upon being appointed as the chairperson for the society, Ncube said this was a great platform to aid filmmakers in pioneering vibrant ideas in the film industry.
a�?I count it as a privilege and honour to have been nominated and chosen by my fellow filmmakers in leading them in this new dispensation of the local film and television era where we have an opportunity to transform our industry through vibrant ideas, initiatives and projects designed to galvanise the region as the cultural and creative hub of the country,a�? he said.
Cont Mhlanga expressed his delight at being part of the organisation as long as it benefited the community rather than an individual. . . .
Online Reporter