Post Covid-19 HIV/Aids film on big screen

Trust Khosa

Film enthusiasts in Harare will begin November on a flyer as the refreshingly packaged movie, ‘See Me – When God Remains the Only Hope’ when its screened this Friday at Theatre in the Park, Harare.
Written and directed by Charlene Furusa, the film, which has won the hearts of many in the sub-region, will be screened under the banner ‘Cinema in the Park’.

It boasts a star-studded cast of seasoned and new actors who have shown immense talent in the game.

Teddy Mangawa, who plays Jane’s father, and musician Mwenje Mathole are the main actors in ‘See Mee’.

Other members of the cast include Chiedza Matabuka who stars as Sarudzai, Natasha Dlamini (Tholakele), Nyasha David (BK), Charlene Furusa (Jane’s mother), Clive Jonga (Jimbo), Quentine Nyoni (Jimbo’s friend 1), Panashe Mango (Jimbo’s friend 2), Mathole (Mukoma), Kundai Mabviko (Jane), Tawanda “DogOne” (Tapiwa), Nyasha Zuze (Tholakele’s father), Mitchell Kembo (Tholakele’s mother) and Munaishe Nyahalic (Gentlemen caller).

It also parades top dancers including Tichaona ‘Hero’ Chikara, Tanarka ‘Phint’ Fireyi, Martin Chabuka, Malcolm ‘Malowizy’ Chirove, Adam ‘Kudzie’ Mararirakwenda, Devante Sanganza, Ndomupeishe ‘Ndomzy’ Chipendo, Mishael Ndhlovu, Prince ‘Amazing’ Mbisa, Ropae Muraicho, Enock ‘Cyzmik’ Chiromo, Ellain Ncube, Nokutenda Nyamakawo, Terrence ‘Papa_E’ Kapesa and Sean Mambwere.

According to the synopsis of the film, ‘See Me’ is centred on the post-Covid-19 era, which has created many problems among people living with HIV/Aids.

Based on research carried out across Zimbabwe, the film portrays a cross-section of that research.

It is a heartfelt deep dive into the experiences of young people living with HIV/AIDS and how they were affected by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions using the six pillars of creativity: film, poetry, music, photography, visuals, and dance.

It looks at some of the challenges faced by people during the lockdown such as stigma discrimination, mental health, gender-based violence and a plethora of themes encountered in gathering these stories.

The film, which is based on real-life experiences, brings hope and sheds light on how we see each other, further stating the synopsis.

To date, the film has been screened at several festivals and more than 14 countries. It was also screened at the Rustenburg Film Festival last month in South Africa.