Charles Mungoshi does the big screen

By Andrew Moyo

ORDINARY Level Shona students might have an added advantage when they sit for their exams next year with Charles Mungoshi’s “Makunun’unu Maodzamoyo’s” film adaptation set to hit the screens in the next four months.

The Shona novel will now get to understand it from a different perspective after watching the film. With filming having commenced last month in Chihota, where the production team has been camping, final touches are being applied to ensure a quality product.

The film was supposed to be launched before next month’s exams but it seems like production might take a while longer. This film is going to display the abundance of talent in the Mungoshi family with the author’s wife Jesesi being the executive producer, while his eldest son Farai worked on the script and directed the project.

Internationally-acclaimed Mirazvo Productions was responsible for the camera work, lighting and sound.

There is no shortage of superstars on this project with the cast comprising Jah Prayzah, Fidelis Cheza, Nothando Nobengula, Charles Mzembe and Jesesi Mungoshi, among others.

The novel is set in 1964 but the production team modernised it without compromising the storyline.

Speaking to The Sunday Mail Leisure on set, Farai Mungoshi said they were not going to rush the project and risk making a poor quality film.

“We will not be launching next month as we had planned earlier because we have realised that it takes time and a lot of work to make a quality film.

“We don’t want to make an ordinary home video, which is why we are working hard to produce a film that can compete on the international stage,” said Farai Mungoshi.

He said he was satisfied with progress, commending both the cast and crew for their work.

“I am amazed with what has been going on on set because the cast has gone beyond what I was expecting and the crew has also been doing an exceptional job.

“What I can tell you is that this is not a usual picture – film lovers should be prepared to be entertained and educated at the same time.”

Director of photography Nick Zemura said this was one of the best projects he had worked on.

“Most of the time when I am filming I don’t get to enjoy the experience but this project had a lot of surprises. From the organisation to the actors themselves I think this is one of the best sets I have worked on,” said Zemura.

Having spent the greater part of his film career in the US, Zemura believes local film is coming up though there is still a lot to be done.

“I think there is need for us to start supporting each other locally if there are to be positive changes in the industry. The other thing is that filmmakers should learn the craft first so that they enhance their skills in various areas of production,” he said.

Zemura has worked on numerous international productions and some of the household names he has worked with include Nigeria’s Jim Ike and Desmond Eliot.

Charles Mungoshi is one of Zimbabwe’s best-loved writers, penning a steady stream of award-winning literature in Shona and English starting from the 1970s. The Sunday Mail