adminBrenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Edzai Isu Theatre Arts Project will today launch a short film DVD “Hanya Nani? 1” an HIV/AIDS awareness production at the University of Zimbabwe. Written, directed and produced by award-winning artist Tafadzwa Muzondo, the film was formerly a stage play targeted for people in workplaces.
Edzai Isu made the film in conjuction with UZ Theatre Arts department.
“This is a response to the need for an increase in HIV/Aids information for this crucial target group, the workplace.
It occupies sexually, socially and economically active men and women who are decision makers in families and communities,” said Muzondo. Muzondo is part of the cast together with James Mukwindidza, Everson Ndlovu bring out the hilarious and educational piece to life.
It is centered on the life of Lovejoy, a qualified and experienced electrician who loves his joy as his name suggests.
Unfortunately, he takes it to the extreme and leads a careless life. What is even worse is how he believes HIV programmes are a thorn in the flesh and dismisses them as irrelevant to the world of work.
His attitude then costs him when his life takes a new twist.
The “theatrical and cinematographical fusion”, as Muzondo puts it, promotes voluntary counseling and testing at the workplace while breaking the stigma associated HIV/AIDS.
Film maker Marian Kunonga is the technical director and James Jemwa is the cinematographer. “We worked with seasoned film makers who believed in our vision and got filming equipment from the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust for free. We engaged theatre and filming students who volunteered themselves as trainees and the end result is quiet pleasing,” said Muzondo.
The play “Hanya Nani? 1” has had 300 performances in workplaces courtesy of PSI.
The producers hope that by making it a short film, it can reach even more people.
Free copies of the film will be distributed soon after the launch tonight.
Online Reporter