Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE voices of previously marginalised communities are increasingly shaping Zimbabwe’s film industry, as local storytellers step forward to share authentic narratives from their lived experiences.
A prime example is Hwange-based Blackstone Television, which premièred its latest 12-episode film series, Insiswa: The Secret, online this past Sunday. New instalments will be released weekly on the company’s official YouTube channel.
Filmed entirely in Hwange, the cast includes Brandon Mudenda as Ben, Liness Mobe as MaDube, Greatjoy Matshelela as Tabiza, Flex Dube as Lumuno, Princess Sibanda as Shanty, Mthokozisi Mguni as Tubwi and Khumbulani Mudimba as Zupco. The series is directed by Godwin Ndlovu and co-written by Liness Mobe and Ndlovu.
Ndlovu explained that the film explores themes centred on women and their lived realities.
“The story follows two compelling narratives focused on female experiences. Shanty, a schoolgirl, falls pregnant due to peer pressure and is abandoned by her boyfriend, Tabby. Her friend’s advice to terminate the pregnancy ends in tragedy.
“MaDube, a married woman, attempts to end her affair with Ben, a married man, to protect her husband. Ben threatens to claim their child, prompting MaDube to counter with a threat to expose Ben’s dark secret — the murder of his best friend, Peter — leaving the situation in suspense,” Ndlovu said.
He said that the series delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, power dynamics and the emotional weight of secrets — themes he believes will resonate with audiences due to their realism and emotional depth.
The première of Insiswa: The Secret, marks a significant milestone for the film industry in Matabeleland North Province, offering a platform for local voices to be heard and regional stories to gain national and international attention.
This development coincides with another upcoming production from the province, Ukhalo, a film produced by Bambatha Creative Arts in collaboration with Lupane State University (LSU) and other regional stakeholders. Ukhalo is set to première in October. —@mthabisi_mthire
derick.khumalo