Celebrated film star and producer, Munyaradzi Chidzonga told 25 Africa Film Academy graduands to up their game and above all earn and maintain integrity through telling Zimbabwean stories in the best and truthful interesting way they can.
An exquisitely dressed Chidzonga was the guest of honour at the Dream Hous Pictures Awards Ceremony held at Ster-Kinekor, Joina City, on Saturday, November 23.
The colorful event kept the audience glued to the screens watching nine short films which were done by the graduating students as part of their project requirements for the intensive hands-on 12-week training in cinematography, digital editing, producing, acting, directing and script writing.
Chidzonga, who rose to stardom in the film industry through realistic acting in arguably one of Zimbabwe’s bestselling films Lobola, told the graduands that there is need to identify who they are and become the best version of themselves. Chidzonga said he had fond memories of his achievements in the film industry at a very youthful age and however, was ashamed of not fully utilising the opportunities that came with the multi-billion investments that he was involved in.
The Lobola movie sold more than 70 000 copies within a short space of time and therefore, showing that the film industry is very lucrative if properly invested in, he recalled.“Back to my story, if only I were the young Munya Chidzonga who sold 70 000 DVDs and today the film still has one of the highest gross income in the country. But l keep asking this question who am l? Let me tell you who you are.
You are the future of this industry. You are the future storytellers. l liken you to a renowned film star in the seventies who was denied a chance to take part in a Hollywood Film and could only realise his dream when he went back to his country.
“He made globally sought and most viewed films and the films are still being watched today. That’s who you are! It doesn’t matter who you are. you am a young filmmaker and storyteller and this is who you are,” Chidzonga emphasised.
On a separate note, Chidzonga urged the graduating class and all prospective students of the Africa Film Academy to embrace the guidance provided by the recently published National Music Strategy to spearhead their careers and create high-end partnerships and networks.
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The Africa Film Academy is owned and directed by Jonathan Samukange who got his first university degree from Hollywood Film Academy. Samukange said his Dream Hous Pictures was dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in filmmaking.
“Our comprehensive programmes provide a platform for aspiring filmmakers to develop their skills, push boundaries and bring their unique perspectives to the world. As the founder of Dream Hous Pictures, I'm proud to say that we're not just an institution — we're a community of passionate storytellers, driven by a shared vision to elevate the art of filmmaking in Zimbabwe,” said Samukange.
Twenty-five students graduated in different courses and six students were honoured as best students as follows: outstanding editor: Nash Nyamuwira, outstanding cinematography: Wisdom Majojo, outstanding film producer: Achim Magombedze, outstanding film director: Pauline Duncan, outstanding screen actor: Ivai Mahaka and the outstanding short film award was scooped by Irene T Chivhayo.
During intervals at the graduation ceremony, short films were screened and they included and were not limited to The Thrill of Redemption by Simbarashe Punduma (director/producer), Burden of shadows by Pauline Duncan (director/producer), Hip Hop(e) by Robert Muganda (director/producer), The Pastor's son by Irene Chivhayo(director/producer), Mdudusi by Achim Magombedze (director/producer), One more time by Tanaka Chaipa (director/producer), Axe of mercy by Nigel Israel (director/producer) and Second chance by Panashe Punduma (director/producer), respectively.
The films told interesting stories and brought solutions to some often overlooked and misunderstood issues in life. Several students testified that they were confident about the skills they acquired from the Africa Film Academy which houses the Dream Hous Pictures.
Robert Muganda, who produced the film Hip Hop(e) which promotes the girl child to active involment in arts, said that he wished to establish a film guild called Film Embassy. Muganda added that he was excited to work and learn with the youth almost the age of what could be his daughters and sons and still manage to shape his creative work towards youth empowerment.
He also pointed out that the film industry employs many people and should be well resourced to add to its viability.
