adminTHE debate about whether Zimbabwe has a viable film industry or not is far from over.
It has been raging on for decades with players in the sector bemoaning lack of structures and financial backing.
This has destroyed the hopes of aspiring filmmakers, who are stuck with loads of content, and refreshing scripts. Local film-makers, who made it to the top had to dig deep into their coffers, which has led to non-payment of the cast.
Most actors and actresses in Zimbabwe enjoy fame, without fortune, as the industry is not existent in the eyes of fiery arts critics.
A number of local producers, and actors, who made it to the top forked out their own money to fulfil their dreams.
This should not be the case.
And one can only look at the opportunities offered by Nollywood, Bollywood and closer home in South Africa.
However, lack of structures and regulation of the sector has not deterred some of the filmmakers, and actors, from pursuing and fulfilling their dreams.
Zimbabwean actress Danai Gurira and actor Tongayi Chirisa have defied odds to fulfil their dreams.
It has taken passion and dedication for the two film and television practitioners to make an international breakthrough, which many people are yearning for.
Firstly, it was Danai who made it into Hollywood as she featured in a number of big projects like Black Panther.
The same can be said of Chirisa who has settled well in the US.
It’s also hard to believe that it was that humbled actor who made his name on home soil in Studio 263, before he conquered the world.
Chirisa is also part of the US$200 million set for release on June 9.
Dubbed “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”, the blockbuster movie was directed by Steven Caple Junior and starring Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback.
Chirisa’s new role feat shows that Zimbabwe has plenty to offer in film once the sector is well-funded and regulated
However, lack of structures have scuppered the growth of the sector.
It takes a lot of resilience and phenomenal talent for one to make it in Hollywood.
There are some talented filmmakers, and actors/actresses who are equally talented but still don’t remain unknown.
This can only be resolved once the sector is professionally run with arts regulators expected to invest in film.
In Bollywood, the film industry is big and generates billions for India.
The same can be said of Hollywood while closer home in South Africa they are making giant strides.
In Zimbabwe, we can only keep on dreaming despite the fact that we have equally-talented people who can easily deliver in this sector.
To meet international standards, we need to invest in the film industry and make it viable.
Proper regulation of the sector, along with decent remuneration of cast members, is needed for the growth of our film industry.
We can continue exploiting the few filmmakers we have.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter