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Bruce Ndlovu
Although he has always been known for his ambitious storytelling, veteran filmmaker Cont Mhlanga is struggling to bring to life the story of a mythical figure who according to local folklore, could walk on water.
Since he was charged by the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr Chris Mushohwe to spearhead content production as part of the current digitisation programme, Mhlanga has been travelling the length and breadth of Matabeleland trying to unearth unique stories.
In a new series called Ziyanyungana, Mhlanga wants to revive the legend of a mythical rainmaker from Binga, who locals say could defy the laws of science and gravity.
a�?This is a person who they say could walk on water. A person who they say could tell people driving to Hwange that he would meet them there and still get there earlier than them even though he had no car,a�? said Mhlanga in an interview with B-Metro this week.
The arts doyen said that the story had appealed to him because of the fact that such legends had not been brought to the screen often enough on Zimbabwean television.
a�?Wherever you go in Binga people know about this mythical figure. If you look at the rest of the country however, few know of him and there are many such stories that arena��t getting their deserved airplay,a�? said Mhlanga.
He, however, conceded that bringing the story to the small screen was a difficult task. So far, six of the expected 12 episodes of the series had already been shot.
a�?When you hear people speak about his mythical deeds, ita��s difficult to see how you can bring it to the screen. How do you tell the story of such a figure? So we resolved that the story will be part drama and part narrative. It will combine elements of both. Ita��s a unique story but Ia��m thrilled at the challenge because we have been searching for these unique stories,a�? he said.
Mhlanga added that he hoped that the series would be done in time for the Pupu Shangani Carnival which is scheduled to take place on June 17. Shooting for the documentary Ezika Lobengula kaMawaba is scheduled to take place during the festival, with the groups that are taking part in the festival forming part of the cast.
Ezika Lobengula kaMawaba delves into the myths about the life and death of King Lobengula.
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Online Reporter