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Problem Masau Arts Correspondent
Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Professor Jonathan Moyo has urged artistes to promote peace through their work. Speaking at the launch of a movie titled “Two Villages Apart” in Harare on Monday, the minister said artistes have a special privilege of reaching out to many people.
“Peace is very important and I don’t think there are a better people to speak about peace than artistes. Movies touch many people’s hearts. The most powerful means of communication are music, film and the arts. Let the music play. Let the films speak about peace. Peace begins with me. Peace begins with you. Peace begins with us. Peace begins with artistes,” he said.
The film, funded by the Organ for National Healing Reconciliation and Integration, promotes peace, unity and tolerance.
Set in rural Guruve, “Two Villages Apart” revolves around two villages that are highly polarised. Violence erupts in the run-up to an election and two villagers are murdered.
In an attempt to build peace in the villages political party leaders sign an agreement and begin urging their supporters to forgive and forget. This does not go down well with the villagers who are sworn enemies.
Through the main actor, James who has been diagnosed with an incurable disease but soldiers on in trying to bring the villagers together through cricket, a sport that is new to the villages, the movie seeks answers to animosity brewing among neighbours due to political violence.
The movie starts on a light note and develops into complex themes. It exposes how the youths are used by political leaders to fight for their selfish interests.
In this case, the two village headmen use youths to fight their own battle. However, at the end good triumphs over bad and the two villages live in harmony thereafter.
Producer of the film Donald Mabhidho said they faced challenges in coming up with the film and urged the corporate world to support the film industry.
“We were new in the film industry and we had to shoot the film thrice. At first we would go to Guruve and sleep in one room. However, we are grateful to sponsors that finally saw sense in our cause and chipped in to support us,” he said.
The movie cast includes musician Pauline Gundidza, Fidelis Cheza and Derick Nziyakwe. The film’s soundtrack was done by a group of local musicians including gospel veteran Baba Machanic Manyeruke, Jonathan Mugazi, Lawrence Haisa, Lydia Sibanda and Jennifer Maneni.
Online Reporter