adminTakudzwa Chihambakwe
NAMA award-winning film company, Mirazvo Productions, has struck again. The producers of popular dramas, “Muchaneta” and “Muzita raBaba” are back in the mix with a new production, this time a movie dubbed “Kushata kweMoyo”.
“The film is about the long-term psychological effects of child abuse, bitterness and revenge. It encourages forgiveness, and teaches that there is hope in everything,” said producer and director, Shem Zemura. He said the production was part of his steps to improve Zimbabwean cinema, which is sort of on a pause at present.
“The need to improve the cinema scene in the country motivated me to make the movie. I made a call for low-budget scripts and Amanda Ranganawa responded with this story. When I read it, I knew it was the movie to make. It touches on real-life issues that the majority of children are going through given the infidelity rate in Africa,” revealed Zemura.
The majority of the cast are actors the producer and director has worked with before. Talk of names like Gamuchirai Duve, Kudzai Musungo, Charles Muzemba, Elijah Madzikatire, Tendai Nhamo and Gloria Nyamajiwa. But does this mean we have no new talent coming through the ranks? Zemura explains himself.
“They are the best. These guys are very talented. It’s about using the talent we have tried and tested. Besides we have built a long-term relationship with the actors. They understand the values and ethics of the company, which makes it easy to work with them,” he said.
One critical factor that comes to mind when discussing movies is the issue of budget. Many local filmmakers shy away from feature film productions because the cost of production is too high compared to anticipated returns. The piracy scourge has been singled out as a major drawback in the arts sector.
“Yes, film production is a very costly and a risky business, especially in Zimbabwe given the prevailing economic situation and piracys. We tried to apply all cost-cutting measures thus we ended up having a total budget of about US$18 000 for the movie.
“We are hoping that the quality of the movie and the success of the première will help in selling original DVDs and getting regional television licensing before we go on video on demand,” said Zemura. Mirazvo Productions have in the past been taken to international film festivals. Will this movie also be going on the international circuit?
“We submitted ‘Kushata KweMoyo’ for the 2018 Namas under the Best Feature Film category. We also want the movie to be showcased at different festivals, locally and abroad.
“With this in mind we are submitting for next year’s Zimbabwe International Film Festival. Internationally we are planning to submit it to all the regional festivals, Zanzibar, Durban and Cape Town International Film Festivals as well as the African Movie Academy Awards.”
“Kushata KweMoyo” will be premiered on January 12 next year at the New Ambassador Hotel in the capital. And Zemura believes this will signal the beginning of a bright year. He says they will releasing more scintillating dramas and films in 2018.
“Film lovers should expect more and improved television shows and movies from Mirazvo Productions. A new show, Mwana WaMwari, premières next year as well,” he revealed.
Online Reporter