adminBornwise Mtonzi Entertainment Reporter
When a rape victim gives birth and turns to prostitution for a living, how does her child feel and behave, growing up in such an environment?
This question will be on spotlight in a film titled “Pawn” produced by Fungai Makoni that will première in Harare soon. The film is about a young man called Sean whose mother is a sex worker and lives in the ghetto. The mother falls pregnant after being raped and gives birth to Sean whom she struggles to raise.
She turns to prostitution and Sean has to grow witnessing all sorts of adventures and shenanigans associated with ladies of the night. As an unemployed youth, his survival is based on illegal dealing and fronting for big shots and he escapes his pain through writing rhymes and poetry.
He dreams of making it big in the music industry. His dream comes true when he meets Mitchell an aspiring singer from a rich family. This union is fought from all angles but no man can kill a dream. Let alone two dreams united as one.
“The theme of the film is basically about achieving one’s dream against all odds,” said Makoni.
He said many young people will relate to the film because they have grown up under circumstances similar to Sean’s. It is set to inspire those in similar conditions or worse situations to have big dreams and pursue them steadfastly. Makoni is aiming both local and international markets.
“Negotiations with Africa Magic channel are under way. That is our target since the local market is not paying well,” said Makoni.
The producer is hoping for a positive acceptance of the film in the market. He also said the production is set to première in Germany in October through a contract he acquired for the first film he produced with the help of Germans.
The soft-spoken producer said most of the actors in “Pawn” are new in the industry and he is grooming them film after film until they reach perfection.
“I may not be popular in the industry but I have been producing films since 2007,” he said
There are a number of films and documentaries that are found under his name. In 2007 he produced a magazine programme “Today’s People” which touches on social issues and “Action Power”, which is an awareness programme that focuses on physically challenged people.
“Another film titled ‘The Oath’ that looks on gender-based violence while focusing on modernisation and culture is on the way.”
His name is also on the recently launched popular television series “Dead End”, which is screened on ZTV.
“Film is the next big thing in terms of revenue generation and is also a tool that can be used to transform the mindset of the future leaders,” he said.
Online Reporter