Moffat Mungazi
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
A NEW romantic film — Hello — has been released, showcasing a talented cast of young and emerging female actresses from Mutare.
The 95-minute film promises to captivate audiences with its engaging storyline and outstanding performances.
The movie’s dynamic cast, paired with a heartfelt and authentic script, is set to leave a lasting impression on viewers. The film’s success is a testament to the cast’s chemistry and talent.
Notably, the cast consists largely of new actors who were selected through auditions in October 2024.
Prior to filming, they participated in a three-day acting workshop at Courtauld Theatre in September 2024.
The result is a potential blockbuster that has already captured the hearts of many, especially young couples.
The film boasts a talented cast, including Hazel Chelsea Wilson in the leading role, Diamond FM presenters, Vimbai Jesca Chihota and Leonard ‘Lampy’ Tsikira, Pastor Tinashe Murigo, and Brandyonn.
The film’s production team features six female crew members, while the cast comprises three members.
Synopsis
Rutendo’s possessive boyfriend, Wayne, gifts her with airtime, but when she delays in responding, he accuses her of using his money to call other men. Following a heated argument, Rutendo decides to return the airtime, but a misdial sends it to Tafadzwa, a charming stranger.
As they connect online, Rutendo finds herself drawn to Tafadzwa’s wit and charm.
Meanwhile, Wayne’s jealousy intensifies, driving him to desperate measures to win Rutendo back. This sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
The film explores the complexities of modern dating, including online connections and finding love in unexpected places.
Film Partnerships
The film marks a milestone in Mutare’s film industry, boasting an unprecedented 80 percent female production team.
Notably, all technical aspects were handled by young women from Vimbai Studios, a Mutare-based production house.
Leading the technical team was 24-year-old Alisha Vimbai Machumi, a film graduate from Midlands State University.
Machumi was responsible for camera work, sound capturing, drone and gimbal operation, film editing, and audio mixing.
The team’s expertise was honed through a year-long training programme at Pikicha Afrika, funded by Culture Fund Zimbabwe and the European Union.
The film represents the first collaboration between Pikicha Afrika and Vimbai Studios, paving the way for future feature film projects in Mutare.
Shooting
The film was shot on location in January 2025 at various picturesque sites in the Eastern Highlands, Mutare, including Pikicha Afrika offices, Ubuntu Backpackers, Sabi Restaurant at Christmas Pass, and Departure Lounge in Florida.
Award-winning filmmaker, Igi Matope, directed the film.
Matope’s impressive portfolio includes projects such as Goodman, Zvemoyo and Vicious Circle, an action crime film produced in partnership with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Eastlife Entertainment.
The film was produced under the Love Portions Movies banner, a brand specialising in romantic movies, with Matope at the helm, alongside other producers in Mutare.
Their next feature film, Dons and Divas of Mutare, is set to begin production in March.
Matope said: “I am honoured that this excellent production is finally hitting the streets.
“As filmmakers, we want to build the Mutare brand, and we are always happy when we partner with local establishments and businesses who gets to advertise their establishments in the films we do.
“We look forward to market(ing) the project extensively so that it reaches every corner of the world.
“The ladies did extremely well, and we are looking forward to take social media by storm.”
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