The phoenix is fast rising from the ashes

Takudzwa Chihambakwe Leisure Correspondent
A series of new programmes on ZTV are a clear indication that the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation is resolute in transforming the station. Reforms in programming have brought delight to viewers and gone are the days when ZTV relied on old shows that where repeated countless times.

ZBC, in line with its digitisation programme, is currently in search of content for new stations that will be opened after completion of analogue to digital migration.

Some of the programmes have already found their way onto the small screen.

“Battle of The Chefs” and “Wenera”, among others, are doing well in the second quarter of 2016 with better picture quality and flowing scripts.

And last Sunday yet another show, “Simba Savannah” premiered and has already got viewers talking.

That is not all.

A new comedy show, “Muchaneta”, premiered last week on ZTV.

The new programme, as is the case with other shows, comes loaded with a compelling story line that is easy to relate to.

Apart from a remarkable and witty cast that features the likes of Admire Kuzhangaira aka Bhutisi from the PO Box TV crew, super energetic dancer Kessia Magosha, Tendai Garwe, and Mai Bhasikoro add to a solid line-up.

Producer, writer and director of “Muchaneta”, Nick Zemura, said he was inspired by yesteryear productions to create this show.

“Muchaneta is a series that came out from a lot of reflection. When we were children we used to get glued to the screens every Monday or Thursday watching a local drama which would not only entice youngsters but adults also.

So some time last year I decided to start working on a product that would revive the experiences we had back in the day,” said Zemura.

“We decided to flip the script and have a woman who dominates her husband and from the contrast of a muscular man being tormented by his wife, we can have society draw many lessons of gender based violence. We also explore the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.”

All the episodes where shot in Mabvuku in Shona and the 13-episode series was shot in just two weeks.

Zemura said, “Many directors place emphasis on their cast getting their lines right but I focus more on the cast getting their character(s) right and the rest will fall in place. So, for instance, with Admire, I just told him what he had to do and he naturally began to ooze out the quality we wanted and it wasn’t hard for him to then memorise his lines feeling less pressure.”

ZTV, however, has challenges with regards to paying for content.

Zemura says things are, however, changing.

“We have no issues at all with the broadcaster; they paid us our dues and I will boldly declare that the station pays for content and is the best partner for anyone who is doing his things right.

I want to urge other filmmakers to engage with ZBC TV and they will be shocked with the support the broadcaster will provide. The station is definitely moving on the right course and we are going to be working on more productions with them.”

The Unites States-based director, nonetheless, lamented unnecessary hiccups hindering the full growth of the film industry.

“The setback we have is not on the creative side but too much red tape.

We are currently working on a production that requires for us to shoot a scene in the Africa Unity Square but for us to do that we need to visit at least eight offices to get clearance.

That is absurd.

“The Government must create an environment that does not frustrate filmmakers.

If it’s a security issue, we don’t mind having the police accompany us to the various locations,” he said.

The producer urged support for local content ahead of foreign stuff.

His wish, he said, was to have more Zimbabweans watch ZTV more than DStv offerings.