Matope working on new film

Liberty Dube
RISING script writer and film director, Ignatius Matope who hails from Chikanga high-density suburb is working on a romantic drama film titled, A Good man among us, which is set to hit the streets before end of year.
Ignatius Matope (30) who is working with co-producers, Kamo Phuti and Takemore Nyamadzira, said the film would be shot in Mutare’s CBD in October. He said production house, Pikicha Afrika would produce the film with assistance from Mutare-based art groups Theatre Connections and Courtauld Players.

Matope, a former St Dominic’s High School student moved from Mutare to Harare where he studied filmmaking from established and upcoming filmmakers.

“I made experimental short films, worked on other filmmakers’ film projects, visited film production sets, attended film workshops and trainings and wrote screenplays. After eight years of studying the trade of film, I am ready to make my own films,” he said.

The movie carries various themes such as betrayal, love and illusions.
“After a corporate party, a decent, well off Christian man wakes up with a naked lady of the night in his bed.

“The lady of the night proceeded to blackmail him faking pregnancy and what follows is an intense test of personal values and principles for the main character that leads to a very interesting and satisfying resolution.

“The film is not the typical love story, but it is an intense, emotionally gripping story of love and the power it has over our lives.
“We have been working on this script for more than two years and it has passed through the criticism of the Writers Circle which is a group of professional film writers.

“It is a professionally written script that meets industrial film standards and formats. The film shall be shot on ProRes with a Blackmagic Cinema Camera. We want to get the best possible picture quality and ensure that the film is marketable both locally and internationally.

“ProRes produces better footage than HD (High Definition).UK based filmmaker Gibson Takawira will handle the cinematography of the film,” he said adding that auditions for actors and actresses for the film shall be held on September 4 and 5 at the Courtauld Theatre.
“We are in the process of approaching potential funders.

“We have been sacrificing our money to secure some of the things we shall use during production,” Matope said.