adminPraise Masvosva
A number of celebrities were featured in a film produced by United Kingdom-based producer, Jonathan Marerwa, simply titled “Prayers”.
Marerwa featured Madam Boss, Zuva Habane, Elizabeth Majongwe, Ambassador Boss Matsanga, Jedza and Kenny Kondo, Afro jazz crooner Moodha, Nothando Nobengula, Mapfumo Katsaya, Cody the Rank Marshall and Team PaGhetto.
“The film Prayers narrates the ordeal of a young man whose life takes a turn for the worst in the diaspora after failing to secure employment after graduation.
“He then decides to go back to Zimbabwe in a bid to arrest the slippery side.
“However, the situation soon spirals out of control and he becomes embroiled in substance abuse until he is introduced to a pastor who starts teaching him how to pray and his life starts improving.”
The film has both Zimbabwe and UK scenes.
“I can’t tell you off head how many scenes it has, but running time could be around 90 minutes. We are currently in post-production and hopefully this movie will première later this year.
“We are also finishing up post production of another project, which was supposed to première last year, but didn’t due to unforeseen circumstances. We will look at filming the movie, Matopos, this year if all goes well,” said Marerwa.
He said his aim is to improve the Zimbabwean film industry.
“I am an upcoming producer and as a young man, I understand that we are battling with different types of pressures regardless of whether you are home in Zimbabwe or in the diaspora because at the end of the day our parents are expecting something.
“Unfortunately, at times due to unforeseen circumstances, some of us are losing it and end up involved in substance abuse or gambling, which is only but the beginning of a slippery slope.
“In essence, instead of easing our pains over a drink or taking substances, we really need to take time to understand God’s plan for our lives through prayers. This is what will make our jobs or hustle more fruitful if they have God’s blessing,” he said.
Asked about how he is going to market the film, he said: “At the moment, we are looking at Amazon Prime and our Zambezi Motion Pictures YouTube channel if we are not able to secure a deal for our movie. We have had a few conversations with TV stations in Zimbabwe and South Africa, but so far we have not agreed on anything yet.”
Marerwa also said lack of funding is the main obstacle to growth of the film industry in Zimbabwe.
“The biggest problem I have noted so far in the Zimbabwe film industry is that funding or sponsorship is very difficult to come by, and this inadvertently makes it challenging for our talented actors to sustain themselves.”
“I would encourage our own blue chip companies to support us in our quest to tell the Zimbabwean story and one day we will make you proud.”
Some of the people featured on the film include Sithule Tshuma who is one of the executive producers, Teekay Duncan and Naim Keriah who directed the film.
Online Reporter