Herald Reporter
Black Lips Film Production has announced the next phase of Raising of a Giant, a six-part international television series chronicling the life of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Vision 2030 agenda.
The announcement follows a meet-and-greet Zimbabwe activation held from September 30 to October 5, 2026, which brought members of the international cast and crew to Zimbabwe to promote the project and showcase the country as a film destination.
Each episode will run for one hour, with the series expected to be filmed in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, New York, Boston, Spain and Malta.
The producers said the project had the President’s permission and endorsement, with the production budget estimated at US$4,5 million.
The activation was sponsored by Prevail Group of Companies, led by group chairman Dr Paul Tempter Tungwarara, who is currently backing the production. The producers are seeking additional sponsors to support the project.
Those who participated in the activation included series director Darrell Roodt, actors Richard Jones, Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, Ernest Ndlovu, Tongayi Chirisa and Dawn Thandeka King, as well as producers Sibusisiwe Mzinja and Leo Phiri.
The studio, led by Ms Sibusisiwe Busie Mzinja, indicated the project includes a strong skills transfer and cultural heritage component.
Ms Mzinja said on October 2, the delegation visited the University of Zimbabwe’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the Mass Communications Department at Harare Polytechnic.
“They shared their experience of producing film and television outside Zimbabwe,” Ms Mzinja said.
She said Black Lips Film Production has submitted a draft memorandum of understanding to the University of Zimbabwe for a skills transfer partnership.
“The university is reviewing it,” she said.
Ms Mzinja said the delegation also visited Baradzanwa Cultural Village for a traditional culinary experience and discussions on Zimbabwean culture and heritage.
“On October 3, they toured the National Heroes’ Acre to learn about the country’s liberation history,” she said.
“Black Lips Film Production has signed an MOU with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), which is the official television media partner.
“ZBC and The Herald were among the outlets that carried interviews on the project.”
Ms Mzinja said that on the international front, the company has partnered with Known Associates Spain.
“The firm has production, studio and post-production facilities in South Africa, Spain and Malta,” she said.
“The producers will film selected interior scenes in Spain and Malta to qualify for foreign production incentives.
“They are targeting a 30 to 40 percent cash rebate on eligible expenditure in those countries.”
Ms Mzinja said on October 13, the team mounted a 12x4m Meet & Greet banner at the entrance of the Zanu PF 23rd National People’s Conference in Chinhoyi.
“They did so after obtaining security clearance and were accredited as guests. The project was announced to delegates and guests, and the producers said the banner drew a positive response,” she said.
