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Problem Masau Arts Correspondent
Zimpapers yesterday donated US$10 000 to Ziya Cultural Trust to enable the drama group to reproduce and encrypt DVDs of its film “Sabhuku Vharazipi 2”.
Zimpapers group chief executive Mr Justin Mutasa said the donation was in line with the company’s policy of promoting local artistes.
“We want to thank you for the creativity you have shown,” he said.
“We know that pirates are always going to be there, but we feel that the money will help you. This is part of Zimpapers’ corporate social responsibility.
“We are promoting the 75 percent local content policy. Local artistes should benefit from the sweat of their creativity.
“As Zimbabweans we should free ourselves from the idea that best films are produced in Hollywood only.” The donation came in the wake of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Secretary Mr George Charamba’s commitment to source financial assistance for the group when he attended the premiere of their film in Harare recently.
Speaking on behalf of Mr Charamba, Rural Communications Services director in the ministry, Mr Regis Chikowore, said the donation would significantly help the group.
“When we were watching the première of the film with Cde Charamba, we were very impressed and at the same time touched by the plight of the actors,” he said.
“We also got to know that their first project was heavily pirated.
“The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services invited the group for further discussions. The ministry felt that they had to do something. They indicated that they needed resources to encrypt their product and the ministry reached out to different organisations that culminated in this donation.”
ZIYA Cultural Trust director Mr David Dzatsunga said he was grateful with the assistance and promised that the money would be used in producing the DVDs of Sabhuku Vharazipi 2.
“Since our first project was pirated, we hope this time we are wiser and the money is going to be used in a helpful manner. It is a very big step forward in promoting our local actors,” he said.
Sabhuku Vharazipi 2 was launched last Wednesday in Harare and revolves around the character “Sabhuku Vharazipi”, a corrupt and selfish village head who manipulates the distribution of food and other inputs.
Online Reporter