Online Reporter
Brenda P Shumba, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
AT just 24 years old, Prayer Elishama Tafara has already made a name for himself as a filmmaker, director, cinematographer, and writer with a clear mission: to harness the power of cinema to confront Zimbabwe’s silent mental health crisis.
Born and raised in Masvingo, Prayer Elishama holds a Higher National Diploma in Film and TV Production, as well as a Diploma in Registered Visual and Performing Arts and Multimedia. He is the founder and director of Royal Lens Entertainment, a local production company committed to telling authentic, socially relevant stories.
His growing portfolio includes three notable films: Mental Warfare (2023), Shingai the Movie (2023), and his latest release, Silent Screams (2024). Each of these projects, he reveals, is deeply rooted in his own life experiences.
“My roommate at school struggled with anxiety. At first, it was subtle — cancelling plans, withdrawing from friends, and saying he was overwhelmed. Over time, it spiralled and he turned to drugs. I watched helplessly, not knowing what to do.
“My mother also suffered from depression and auditory hallucinations, which was confusing, frightening and painfully isolating. On top of that, I faced my own battles with depression, anxiety, and emotional numbness after a series of heartbreaks. I smiled in public but cried alone. That was when I realised I needed to speak up,” he shared.
These experiences drove him to channel his pain into art. His storytelling challenges stigma and reveals the human side of mental illness in Zimbabwe. Through his films, Tafara demonstrates that cinema is more than entertainment — it is therapy, a lifeline, and a voice for unspoken struggles.
His first project, Mental Warfare, began as a casual creative exercise in 2023 but quickly evolved into a mission to raise awareness, spark conversations, and use storytelling as a tool for healing.
The project earned him recognition and opened doors, including an invitation to co-produce Shingai the Movie.
Of all his work, Prayer says Silent Screams is his most personal and emotional film to date.
“Silent Screams was not just a film — it was a reflection of wounds.
“I realised I was not just telling a story but reliving my own. It became a voice for those who were never heard. It’s personal. It’s vulnerable. It’s a mirror and while watching it, I saw myself.”
Now, Prayer is channelling his energy into a new project titled Whispers, a short film set to be released later this year.
“Whispers is yet another attempt at confronting mental health issues in Zimbabwe. It’s my way of raising awareness and letting those who are struggling know that they are not alone,” he said.
