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Tafadzwa Zimoyo : Arts Reporter
“Why can’t we do the same? I am happy that women are now taking challenging roles than before in other professions,” she said. Women in film have been challenged to venture into the sector if they are talented, as part of their contribution towards the development of the sector. In line with that vision, Talent of Steel (TOS) a local production house that produces film and television productions is seeking female directors.In an interview head of studio of Talent of Steel, Talent Chitauro said since most companies were now pushing for gender equality, his organisation was working towards achieving parity in film.
“We have seen more men behind the scenes in film and television productions of late be it camera work, sound designers, production designers, key grips among other production activities.
At TOS we are going to be employing more women than men so that they are empowered and exhibit some skills that have been churned out of late,” she said.
Chitauro said gone are the days when women were only recruited as makeup artistes, without any leading roles in film making.
“We have a lot of talented women in the country, the problem is on stereotypes and again lack of exposure to explore the talent.
“I am much inspired by US singer Beyonce, look at her band, from dancers to guitarist all female.
“Why can’t we do the same? I am happy that women are now taking challenging roles than before in other professions,” she said.
She said currently they have four young women on attachment from Midlands State University (MSU) who are doing filming.
“We have some students who came to assist and have since been promoted to producer, wardrobe and makeup artiste respectively in our production.
“They have also been offered acting roles in ‘Wenera’ with Leona playing as detective whilst Thabi portrays a Ndebele landlady at the popular blue house where Tsotsi stays,” she said.
Chitauro said they want to produce more female filmmakers who will join the likes Tsitsi Dangarembwa, Dorothy Meck, Rumbi Katedza, and Nakai Tsuro.
“My role model is Oprah Winfrey because she has managed to penetrate the industry that was highly dominated by men and also following her history I feel inspired and at the same time challenged,” she said
TOS creative director Eddie Ndhlovu said women were equally competent in film.
TOS is known for such productions like the popular “Wenera Soap” that airs on ZTV every Monday nights and the 2010 film Sores of Emmanuel.
They are filming “Wenera Season 2” in Hatfield where they have turned a full house into studio sets for the popular soapie.
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