adminPeter Tanyanyiwa Arts Correspondent
A new theatrical feature film titled “Perfect Storm” is set to bring local actors closer to Hollywood and change the perceptions on Zimbabwean productions. The production is commercial romantic drama, which will have scenes from Miami and Victoria Falls. The film will be directed by multi-award-winning Hollywood director and cinematographer, Mark Kohl.
He has shot over 130 episodes of ‘‘America’s Most Wanted,’’ and has lensed over 15 films, such as ‘‘Lonely Hearts’’ with John Travolta and James Gandolfini and HBOs ‘‘Recount’’ with Kevin Spacey and Dennis Leary.
Once completed, the film, produced by Sylvia Chimhina alongside Batsirai Masvinge, will have a worldwide theatrical release, followed by a DVD release across Africa, Europe and America.
Scenes will be shot from Miami, Florida and Victoria Falls.
“The film comes as a template for film tourism as it juxtaposes Miami and Victoria Falls,” said Masvinge.
“We seek to package and sell our country as a tourist destination through the film as has been done in other countries, such as New Zealand with ‘Lord of The Rings’.
“Placement in films has since had a huge positive effect on tourist destinations and destination managers have begun to use film as a tool to sell a particular country or destination.
“The film, which will be produced by SCG Productions, an American based production company from Jacksonville, Florida, will feature an ensemble of top actors from multiple African countries including South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana, and talks are at an advanced stage to secure a top US actor as part of the principal cast. A large percentage of the cast will also be from Zimbabwe.
“We are opening our doors to potential Zimbabwean investors who might be interested in working with us on the film. We will be hosting a cocktail function at Rainbow Towers on Thursday, October 1 (today) where we will discuss how investors and partners can be part of the film.
“Zimbabwean productions have for some time been perceived to be low and have been failing to reach the minds and hearts of local audience, but with ‘Perfect Storm’ we are looking at making a film that will change the way people perceive our films in Zimbabwe and abroad. We are looking at making the next Zimbabwean stars through this particular USA-Zimbabwe film,” said Masvinge.
A top US star actor is expected to be part of the film principal cast.
Auditions were conducted in Johannesburg last week, and Harare auditions are to be held on Saturday at Zimbabwe Film and Television School of Southern Africa.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter