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Thelmar Mukonza
SOUTH Africa-based film-maker Obina Misi’s movie, Shamwari/Umngane, has been selected for the Coliseum International Film Festival in Italy.
The film addresses the issue of friendship or relationships where people betray those who trust them.
Misi, the Zimbabwean who co-directed the movie with Bright Tawanda Jiri, said the selection was recognition for the work they are doing.
The movie is multilingual and played in many African languages, which include Shona, Ndebele, Ndau, Venda, Chichewa, Xhosa, isiZulu, Afrikaans and English.
It is about the hardships faced by Zimbabweans and other African nationals seeking employment in South Africa.
“Being selected for the Coliseum International Film Festival 2023 in Italy brings joy to the production team, cast and our fans. It is a big step for us being recognised internationally for the work we are doing, and others in the arts industry in Zimbabwe.
“We submitted our film to different festivals, including Zimbabwe International Film Festival and the ZAFTAs. This is our second selection as we were also selected by Lift-Off Global Network Film Festival,” said Misi.
Obina also plays the main character, Tonderai Nyabote, an accountant.
“I have acted in Sarura Wako and have produced The Avenues, a movie which highlights the challenges faced by sex workers,” Misi said.
Tafadzwa ‘Faffy Jacs’ Zuze stars as Mwandana Nyabote, Tamara Xeleko as Axhona and Talent Nyeruke as Mr Tshabalala in Shamwari/Umngane.
It was shot in Cape Town and is going to be streamed on Obina Films Productions’ YouTube channel.
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge