Film depicting vuzu parties on the cards

Hazel Marimbiza
Local film director and scriptwriter Mthabisi Zidlekhaya Ndlovu from Emganwini suburb has produced a film that addresses the issue of vuzu parties that will be premiered at the Bulawayo Theatre next Saturday.

The film titled Teenage Trail (Home of Deception) was born out of concern over the recklessness of the modern day teenagers who engage in “vuzu house parties”.

The vuzu parties have become a menace in Bulawayo as teenagers convene at different venues to engage in sexual orgies, alcohol and drug abuse at the so called house parties.

A lot of students have been arrested for attending these parties with anti-vuzu parties’ campaigns also being held at schools to conscientise pupils.

“The film is about a group of teenagers who go for a house party without informing their parents. Their worst nightmare comes alive when one teen girl called Margaret Ndlovu goes missing with no trace or clear pattern to follow,” narrated Ndlovu.

The one hour 40 minute-long film with a cast of 18 was shot in several suburbs which include Pelandaba and Cowdray Park.

And coincidentally, there is a house in Cowdray Park that was well known for hosting these parties every Friday.

Already, the film has caught the attention of many socialites and artistes and is gaining recognition on social media through is trailers.

“We have trailers on various social media platforms which have received a lot of positive feedback. For instance, Ayanda Daweti from Scandal has expressed interest in launching our trailer”, said Ndlovu.

At the launch, there will be short performances in form of songs, poetry and dance by the Extra Mile.

Ndlovu, a passionate filmmaker, said despite facing challenges in the film industry, he was not giving up on his talent.

“Some people’s perceptions have been discouraging as they do not really believe ‘local is lekker’. There’ve been mixed feelings due to the unfriendly economic situation therefore some people are very sceptical of the content we produce.

“Therefore, convincing the public that we’re worth their attention has been quite difficult but we won’t stop pushing,” said Ndlovu.

“Also, financial constraints have seen us face a lot of challenges that have made operations not move swiftly as I’d have wanted.”

In 2016, Ndlovu shot his first film called Text Message and in March this year, he launched a film called Umzamo.