New film raises awareness about drugs, substance abuse

The film “4KUS” recently premiered at Ster-Kinekor cinemas in Bulawayo with the aim to raise awareness on drug and substance abuse in society.

Produced by Ngoni Alex Robbins and Billy Kabasa, this gripping coming-of-age drama delves into the themes of ambition, friendship and the perils of drug addiction.

The film centres on Princess, a determined and intelligent young student who battles against all odds to save her friends from the dangerous world of drugs and sex.

Through its emotional and thought-provoking narrative, “4KUS” challenges the audience to reconsider their perceptions of success, friendship and the consequences of addiction.

It encourages viewers to question societal expectations and advocate for the well-being of those around them, urging them to find the strength within to combat the drug pandemic.

The cast of “4KUS” includes Kundai Mabviko, Pearl Ngwenya, Zoe Jandles, Frosty A Gande, Victoria Maposa, Cherron Phillips, Daniel Hodges, Jack D, Fadza G and DJ Mox, among others.

Billy Kabasa, one of the producers, shared that the film is intended for school circulation to educate students on drug and substance abuse issues.

“The issue of drug and substance use has become prevalent in many of Zimbabwe’s secondary and tertiary educational institutions. These schools have become hotspots for consumption and distribution by drug traffickers, mainly because students are often not subject to police searches and are not likely suspects in drug trafficking. As a result, schools and students have become key targets for drug rings. It is this backdrop that inspired the production of the film 4KUS,” said Kabasa.

He said “4KUS” aims to encourage students to choose education over a life of drugs.

“It’s based on reality and students will relate as they reflect on the story. The language in the film is more relatable and palatable for young people. “4KUS” was designed with this very principle in mind. Young people are more inclined to sit and watch a film compared to reading or attending a discussion on drugs.”

The film is also expected to educate and empower youths to resist the temptations of drug use and help users overcome the challenges of drug and substance abuse.

It aims to protect the future of Zimbabwe by reaching the youth before the drug dealers do.

The film will serve as both an educational and testimonial tool in reducing and eradicating drug and substance use.

Kabasa highlighted the struggles faced by Zimbabwe’s film industry due to a lack of sponsorship.

“The film industry has been struggling a lot because corporates haven’t been coming through to support it. We were lucky that Ngoni Alex Robbins, a passionate academic who also wants to see more teenagers excelling in school and leading a drug-free life, supported this project. If we have more people like him, we can grow the industry,” he stated.