Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SOCIAL media influencer, content creator and entrepreneur Felistas Murata, popularly known as Mai Tt, is set to share her life journey in her debut film, Lost in Ashes.
The movie is scheduled to premiere on September 27 at Platinum Entertainment Westgate Cinemas in Harare, with a red-carpet event celebrating cross-African creative collaboration. The premiere will be attended by Nollywood stars including Mike Godson, Anita Joseph, Joy Patrick Ezeike, Chinyere Wilfred and Mike Ezuruonye, she said.
Co-directed and executive produced by Mai Tt alongside Iyke Odife, Lost in Ashes draws heavily from her personal experiences, marking a significant milestone in her artistic journey.
Speaking to Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Mai Tt described the project as the fulfilment of a childhood dream.
“I’ve always wanted to act in African films because I grew up watching them.”
Mai Tt, who served a nine-month prison sentence for theft of trust property before her release in November 2023, said her time in prison gave her valuable space to reflect, plan and visualise her dreams without distraction.
“It became my haven because it sharpened my focus. When I was released, I worked on the ideas I had written down behind bars. That’s how I also managed to start my cosmetic shops. Fans should expect powerful life lessons. This film is my story, my truth and my way of inspiring others. I can proudly say this is my first real step into film,” said Mai Tt.
She revealed that her initial attempt to collaborate with a Zimbabwean producer based in the UK fell through, as the deal turned out to be exploitative.
“He pretended to support my vision but was only using me to market his own work. Eventually, I had to cut ties with him and think outside the box. Thankfully, a Nigerian actress friend believed in me and connected me to Nollywood stars, which made Lost in Ashes possible,” she said.
Funded by herself and her husband, the project was filmed in Nigeria. She described the experience of working in Nollywood as both rewarding and humbling.
“Being in a foreign land, I quickly adapted because the Nollywood actors and actresses were so down-to-earth and welcoming. I felt at home away from home. But since I was born and bred in Harare, it was only natural that I premiere the film here,” she explained.
As a businesswoman and creative, Mai Tt said she thrives on passion and perseverance.
“I manage to balance everything because I put my heart into all I do. It’s never easy, but when something is in you, you’ll achieve it. I don’t give up easily. When I want something, I go for it,” she said. — @mthabisi_mthire
