Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro-Herald Reporter
INMATES watched in awe and took notes yesterday when they watched the “Lost in Ashes” movie premier penned by Mai Tt during her time at Chikurubi Female Prison.
One of the inmates, Pauline Maganga (25), who is serving 10 years for human trafficking, openly wept and temporarily retired to her cell after watching the two-hour movie, which had parts that were parallel to what she experienced with her husband.
“I could not continue watching, it touched what I experienced with my husband. We separated while I was pregnant and that affected my life until I got arrested and convicted for human trafficking. Mai Tt has come to heal my soul, give me a home considering the attire she came dressing and what she achieved upon her release.
“I am younger than Mai Tt and I think I will make it in life upon completing my sentence,” said Pauline.
Christabel Nawanga (26), who is due for release today, echoed similar sentiments.
“I have learnt that in love usapinde nemwoyo from the movie, it opened my eyes that I can be better than before prison life,” said Christabel.
A Briton, Amara Taylor (21), who is serving nine years for dealing in marijuana, said the movie gave her hope.
“At times you cry, think that this is the end of me but this movie watered my soul. I regret engaging in marijuana deals that forced me into this incarceration but I now have hope. Thank you Mai Tt for the movie in a language that I speak and the movie opened my eyes,” said Amara.
Nyasha Kaseke, 25, sentenced three years for drug dealing.
“I have learnt patience, that prison life is temporarily but need to be utilised by planning for better upon release.
“Prison is a school to learn more and Mai Tt took her Prison term wisely that took her to far places after release,” said Nyasha Gamuchirai Gwasira, 22, sentenced for drugs dealing said she has reformed and is apologising to her parents for abusing drugs and substances.
“Mai Tt mandibatsira, mundikumbirirewo ruregerero kuvabereki vangu nenyaya yema drugs,” she said.
Mai Tt said her visit, as former convict, was to allow inmates watching the movie.
“This is where I was writing my stories, telling my fellow inmates that one day I will share my story on big screens, some of them couldn’t believe me but I didn’t give up,” said Mai Tt.
“I returned to prison to tell my inmates that some of them saw me during my incarceration I didnt give up.
“I didn’t give up my dreams I am now living, hence the need to have that hope.
“They must not be limiting themselves because they are locked up for Prison sentence come to pass,” said Mai Tt.
Reigning Miss World Courtney Tadiwanashe Jongwe hailed Mai Tt for bringing a living testimony to inmates.
“This is a living testimony brought by Mai Tt.
“Her movie is saturated with teachings that proved worthy to those who have lost hope,” said Miss World Zimbabwe.
Mai Tt took her time hugging the inmates and exchanging smiles with a number of them.
Among the 399 inmates locked by yesterday, there were 24 babies accompanying their mothers in prison and six expecting mothers.
Inmates shared food with visitors and musicians who included Chipo Muchegwa, Nashie, Ken Wamambo and Marcy Janyure provided entertainment.
