Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE film Rise, which was shot in Victoria Falls and Harare by a local crew, is under consideration for the 98th Academy Awards and has made the Oscars prediction list.
The film, inspired by a true story and written by Jessica Rowlands, saw a team from Zimbabwe travelling to Los Angeles for the screening at the University of California.
The founder of the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy, Tobias Mupfuti, is the inspiration behind the film which is about his real life story.
“The team travelled all the way from Zimbabwe for screenings of RISE and, just yesterday, it was announced that the film is officially under consideration for the 98th Academy Awards and has made the Oscars prediction list.
“A moment that is surreal and absolutely earned.
“Rise tells the true story of Tobias, founder of the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy,” said producer Joe Njagu.
A few months ago, the film scooped three awards at the Lady Filmmakers Festival in Beverly Hills.The film was produced by Njagu, who worked alongside Hollywood-based movie star Tongayi Chirisa.
The movie walked away with awards for Best Short Film, Best Actor for Chirisa and Best Up-and-Coming Young Actor for Sikhanyiso Ngwenya.
The film follows the life of a street boy who is rescued by the coach and trained for a major tournament.
What begins as a reluctant mentorship turns into a touching journey of healing, purpose and survival both inside and outside the boxing ring.
Ngwenya, discovered at just eight on the streets, steals the spotlight.
His breakout performance has already earned him a National Arts Merit Award and helped him meet his screen idol, Chirisa of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts fame.
Filmed entirely in Zimbabwe, with an all-African cast and crew, Rise is a visual feast.
Cinematographer Jacques Naudé captures the raw beauty of Vic Falls while echoing the inner scars of the characters.
Rowlands, a two-time UCLA Screenwriting Award winner, poured her love for Zimbabwe into every frame.
With RISE, she tells the kind of story that lingers, personal, painful but full of hope. Rise is a story of grit, heart, mentorship and community and its success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
Mupfuti, the founder of the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy, has been an inspiration to many.
His story is a shining example of the impact one person can have on their community.
Through his orphanage and boxing academy, Mupfuti offers hope and opportunity to vulnerable children, turning his own traumatic past into a lifeline for others.
