“OUR culture has been destroyed and thrown into the dustbin because of the Eurocentric way our stories have been told. We have let Europeans tell our stories forgetting that we are the owners of the stories, heritage and culture that is being diluted,” said Lameck Mushayamhara, co-producer for the upcoming film titled Munhumutapa.
Munhumutapa, which translates to “conqueror of man”, follows the history of Zimbabwe from the migration of the Bantu people from Guruuswa to the establishment of the powerful Mutapa Empire.
Stephen Mutsago, a prominent individual in the film industry, who is also the executive director for Munhumutapa, said: “This is a film meant to market our heritage and culture, preserve history through film and give Zimbabwe an identity.
“There has been a lot of misinformation about our culture and it is important that we tell the stories ourselves as Africans, particularly as Zimbabweans.”
Mushayamhara, the co-producer, concurred: “The reason why Nigerians specifically have managed to tell the people about their culture is because they have showcased and marketed it through their film industry, which is gradually improving.”
Mutsago emphasised how he wanted Munhumutapa to relate to Zimbabwe.
“The Mutapa Empire was an excellent and powerful one. I want to relate Zimbabwe to a powerful empire that exhibited excellence, an empowered state, and one that strives to develop its business. Mutapa Empire was business oriented, they traded with those close to them and beyond,” he said, a point which Mushayamhara buttressed, saying: “However, the world has been led to believe that trade came to Zimbabwe with the Europeans, which is a false narrative, one that we want to challenge through this film.
“By the time the Portuguese arrived on the coast of Mozambique, the Mutapa Kingdom was the premier state in the region.”
The Mutapa Empire, one of the most powerful and influential empires in southern African history, has a rich and fascinating legacy that continues to captivate historians and scholars to this day.
The Mutapa Empire’s success can be attributed to its strong, well-trained armies and its ability to unite different people in southern Africa.
The empire’s leaders encouraged states to join voluntarily, offering membership in the Great Council of the Empire to any who joined without resistance.
The Mutapa Empire’s legacy is a testament to the power and prosperity of this ancient civilisation.
Today, Zimbabweans continue to draw inspiration from their rich history and cultural heritage.
“We will start shooting the film early December, aiming to finish end of March next year then release the movie in May,” Mutsago said.
Viewers can expect the best from well-known actors such as Tinashe Nengomasha, Alois Bunjira, Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima, Charles Mzembi and Wilfred “Zimninja” Mashaya, Mutsago added.
Mutsago has earned himself recognition in the film industry through his films like Ngozi, Vicious Circle, Comrade and Smoking Gun.
“I have made films before, but on this particular project, I had to include other key stakeholders who had the information we needed to ensure us a success,” her told NewsDay Weekender Life & Style.
“I worked with other producers who are all from Mutare, and we’re very resourceful, the likes of Mushayamhara.”
Said Mushayamhara: “Besides being in the army, I have a number of qualifications in different areas, including tour guiding and culture and heritage.
“I also attended Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology. Therefore, I incorporated my knowledge from this, and African Heritage books to assist in coming up with what we needed for the film.”
Other producers of the film Munhumutapa are Lawrence Chaitezvi Nhambirwa, Judith Shadaya, Drought Musungo, Tawanda Kanengoni, Peter Phiri, Blessing Chafesuka, Keaven Simomondo, Leo Gamana, Tawanda Ndlovu and Ibrahim Chad.