IN the heart of a cinematic dream, Ziyanda Film executive producer and managing director of Ramatsatsi Productions Dumisani Nkomo says the journey to bring a compelling story to life faces a formidable challenge as they are struggling to secure the necessary funds. The ambitious project set against the backdrop of Zimbabwe requires over US$1.5 million.
Undeterred, Nkomo said they transformed the cinematic endeavor into a collaborative venture, intertwining the creative spirit of South Africa and the rich tapestry of Zimbabwe.
In 2022, over 120 people auditioned for Ziyanda the Movie at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo and the primary objectives of the auditions were to identify and shortlist suitable candidates for various roles in the movie.
“We are really struggling with raising what is needed to shoot the film in Zimbabwe and over US$ 1.5 million is needed. We have since made the project a joint (South Africa and Zimbabwean) project. This will help us get the required investment from the film beyond Zimbabwe. The shareholding of the film is now inclusive of Katlego Danke who joins me as executive producer alongside Mr B who is the other new shareholder under this agreement. We are tying up potential funding/ investment in South Africa and internationally. The film will be done at the end of the year,” he said.
The film Ziyanda is an exhilarating feature film which tells the human trafficking story through the lens of African women. It is set to be produced by Ramatsatsi Productions, a Zimbabwe-based company in partnership with several South African based production companies.
Some scenes will be shot in South Africa including post- production processes. Ziyanda is expected to do the rounds in international film festivals and to leave an indelible mark in the film landscape.
The film will be directed by South Africa-based Zimbabwean born multi-award winning film director, Bonginhlanhla Ncube, a.k.a “Mr. B” alongside acclaimed cinematographer Michael Mutombo, originally from DRC, but based in South Africa.
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