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Talent Chimutambgi, Arts Correspondent
TOP filmmaker Stephen Mutsago is working on a movie exploring ancient Munhumutapa empire and the current administration.
Mutsago, who is the executive producer and director, is a member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) stationed in Mutare.
The movie is expected to hit the screens by early next year.
It features various renowned celebrities including Alois Bunjira, Tinashe Nengomasha, Charles Mzembi, Freddy Manjalima, affectionately known as Kapfupi, among other prominent figures.
According to Mutsago, the driving force behind this film is the desire to educate and inspire Zimbabweans about their own identity and heritage.
“As a filmmaker, I felt guilty for not doing justice to our people’s story. I was inspired by the ignorance about our identity and the lack of appreciation for our culture, compared to other nations like India, the US, China and Korea,” said Mutsago.
The film is coming at a time when Zimbabwe is promoting cultural diplomacy with other countries as part of bolstering the tourism sector.
According to Mutsago, the forthcoming film will address the gaps in cultural knowledge and revolutionize Zimbabwe’s film industry.
Zimbabwe is rich in history and cultural heritage, he said, and the next generations should have something to remind them of the past and the path taken by the ancestors to create the country.
“”I want back to the origins take viewers the of our great nation, showcasing our rich cultural heritage and the victories of our forefathers.
“We are the descendants of Munhumutapa, a powerful kingdom that once flourished. Our story begins in Guruuswa, the birthplace of Great Zimbabwe, and follows the brave Nyatsimba Mutota as he establishes the Mutapa State in Dande,” said Mutsago.
“As a filmmaker, I am driven by a passion to tell our own story, to give Zimbabwe its rightful identity.
“We are often more familiar with the history of India and China, thanks to the tireless efforts of filmmakers from those regions. Now, it is our turn,” said Mutsago.
“Our generation and the generations that follow should have access to a piece that evokes memories of Zimbabwe’s history and culture while keeping up with modern technological advancements. In an effort to promote its accessibility, the film will be viewed on a number of social media platforms.”
Mutsago is an award winner who got recognition from various organisations, including the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) among other accolades.
“Nyatsimba Mutota is working to create a new dominion in the north where honour and bravery will be paramount and the very fabric of fate will be forged anew, as the once-mighty Great Zimbabwe falls into darkness,” he said.
“The other aim of the film is to give the people an identity so that they can be proud of being Zimbabweans, they can be proud to be the descendants of a great empire that once ruled throughout Southern Africa.
“We want to tell our own story which the West has managed to hide from us so that we do not have a sense of unity or identity, belief or culture,” said Mutsago.
He said the play received overwhelming support from Mutare business community and the church fraternity as they had convened to support this monumental project.
He was certainthat President Mnangagwa would replicate the ancient days of Nyatsimba Mutota.
“Inspired by the fearless spirit of Murenga, Nyatsimba ruled and conquered, leaving an indelible mark on our history. Our culture was strong, our dominance was unparalleled. We yearn for those glory days to return, and we believe the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa is paving the way,” he said.
“His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, embodies the spirit of our great Munhumutapa kings.
“His visionary leadership inspires us to dream big, to strive for greatness. We envision our nation becoming the strongest in Africa, and this film is a testament to that unwavering optimism.”
Mutsago said the local film would rekindle the ancient spirit of our forefathers and inspire future generations to build upon the foundations laid by our ancestors.
“By sharing our story, we hope to rekindle national pride, to remind our people of their illustrious heritage, and to inspire future generations to build upon the foundations laid by our ancestors.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter