Zambezi Magic calls for scripts

Showbiz Reporter
Zambezi Magic (DStv channel 160) is calling on all professional and budding scriptwriters to submit their best scripts which will be developed into feature films.

Staying true to its payoff line “Sharing our stories”, Zambezi Magic which launched a few months ago to promote content from Southern Africa, yesterday said it would be launching its first movie project under the Zambezi Magic Original Film Productions. With this project, they intend to work closely with locals to produce 12 films over the next 12 months. About $25,000 will be availed to filmmakers for the production of the films.

“Zambezi Magic is looking for professional and budding scriptwriters whom we can work with to make the channel a true home of Southern African entertainment TV.

“We’re hoping to get outstanding complete feature film scripts that we can turn into Box Office success,” channel head, Addiel Dzinoreva said.

“Each film will be released onto DStv’s movie rental service, Box Office, before being aired on Zambezi Magic at a later stage.”

He said they were mainly interested in authentic African stories which will communicate with the targeted Southern Africa viewers.

“We’re looking for original and compelling stories that are a reflection of our diversity. The channel wants authentic hyper local stories that are driven by strong narratives and characters, something that’ll resonate with audiences.”

The scripts can be submitted at any MultiChoice Zimbabwe office or on the Zambezi Magic website, www.zambezimagic.tv. A November 30, deadline has been set for all submissions.

Dzinoreva said various consultations with filmmakers and industry bodies had led them to invest in the film industry by commissioning such projects.

“This film project is a response to those consultations. The challenge for filmmakers will be to make a high quality movie for $25,000,” Dzinoreva said.

“The Zambezi Magic team is looking forward to reading wonderful stories and working with local producers to create powerful films that will allow Southern African storytellers to share their stories with the rest of Africa via the DStv platform.”

Local productions which have since secured slots on the channel include current affairs programme — Tonight With Zororo and Zambezi News. A new music video programme — Zim Top 10 was also introduced recently to promote local music.