BY SHARON SIBINDI
BULAWAYO female writer and producer Nkosilesisa Kwanele Ncube recently premiered her debut short film titled Figure It Out that has made it on Showmax, and an online subscription video on demand service which was launched in South Africa.
The film, written and produced by DStv MultiChoice Talent Factory graduate Ncube, joins a host of Zimbabwean productions that have broken into the international film and television market.
Shot in Bulawayo, the film revolves around a young lady who is trying to come to terms with the death of her father and is at odds with her family and community who expect her to grieve in a particular way.
It also explores the intergenerational conflicts regarding cultural norms and questions the subsistence of traditional customs in the modern age.
The experienced cast brings to life everyday conflicts that we all go through in times of grief.
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The film features some of Bulawayo’s best talents in the mould of award-winning actresses Charmaine Mudau and Precious Makhulumo who are complemented by Memory Kumbota and Zenzo Nyathi.
Ncube told NewsDay Life & Style that Figure It Out was a culmination of a very intense year-long study in the art of film and television production at MultiChoice Talent factory in Zambia.
She was one of two Zimbabwean graduates who made the cut for the 2020 class alongside Nelson Madzima, who was also part of the production team.
“The film shows the potential that the Bulawayo film industry has and the passion that our talent has for their craft. Who would have thought that a first-time producer like me would be auditioning and casting some of the greatest actors in the country?” she said.
“It was really an honour to direct the cast and being a first-time director was quite enlightening as compared to my usual role as a screenwriter. The cast was very professional and I appreciate the skills and proficiency they brought into the production which made it meet international Showmax requirements.”
Ncube said the experience and skills she gained at the MultiChoice Talent Factory training led to the successful production of the film.
“I usually major in screenwriting, but Figure It Out is my debut in producing and directing,” she said.
Ncube has scripted several films that include Jaiva Sbone, Another Wedding, The Stealers and Ubuntu that have been broadcast on Mzansi Magic and Showmax, respectively.
- Follow Sharon on Twitter @SibindiSharon