Lupita comes to Zim

Harare Bureau
OSCAR award winner, Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o is set to star in a movie to be directed by South African director James Makalao and Zimbabwean filmmaker Edmore Ndlovu of the Souls of Emmanuel fame.The movie dubbed “Praise Start” has a budget of $300,000. It will be centered on a young lady who goes to Zimbabwe for a Victoria Falls expedition. The movie will feature local actors and some of the parts will be shot in Zimbabwe later this year.

Lupita’s location researcher Moses Makina, who is in the country for four days, said he was happy to work with the Zimbabwean filmmaker.

“It is my first time to be here and the people are very welcome. We are here for the movie, looking for a location and if possible, to scout for some actors,” he said. Makina said they would hold auditions for actors at Rainbow Cinemas in Harare today.

“The audition is open to everyone, but we want someone with a true African accent. We plan to have some of the scenes shot here in Zimbabwe. We spotted the location, but now want one or two actors from Zimbabwe if they meet the demands.

“The invitation is not limited to renowned actors but those who have a passion for acting can come to the cinemas around 10am tomorrow (today),” he said.

Zimbabwe filmmaker Ndlovu expressed joy over the development.

“Last week I was in South Africa and met the team for the production. I am happy that I was tasked to write the Zimbabwean script and this is a dream come true for me,” he said.

Ndlovu said working with Lupita was a dream come true and hoped she would learn some of the Shona lines well.

Nyong’o landed her breakthrough role when she was cast for Steve McQueen’s historical drama 12 Years a Slave (2013) immediately before graduating from Yale with an MFA in 2012. She has also appeared on the covers of several magazines, including New York’s spring fashion issue and the UK magazine Dazed & Confused.