Zimpapers Logo

Monica Cheru- Mpambawashe Review Editor
The Mungoshi family is filming a movie based on Charles Mungoshi’s Shona classic “Makunun’unu Mawodzamoyo” and expect to release in early next year. “The book is a set book and we would have wanted to release it in time for the current O-Level students to see it before their exam. But since the book is still in the Zimsec syllabus until 2017, those who are writing over the next two years will benefit,” said Jesesi Mungoshi, who is producing the film.

Film director Farayi Mungoshi said that although it is a very traditional Zimbabwean story the movie is not targeted exclusively at the local market.

“This is not a production for Zimbabweans only, but designed to have international appeal across cultural and language barriers.”

This is the first time that a local set book will be produced as a full length feature film but the Mungoshis hope that it is only the beginning and soon other books by all noted authors will be made into films as well.

“The English have done so much with their writers, for example Shakespeare. So why should we do not do the same for our Zimbabwean writers?” posed Farayi Mungoshi.

Even though the film is being shot on a low budget with what the producer describes as “seed money” from the Culture Fund, talent is abundant.

“When things are not working well because of money, you need to get to people with the skills and appeal to them with your project.”

An actor of reknown with several ZBC TV dramas under her belt and perhaps most known for her role as the title character in the movie “Neria”, Jesesi is wife to author Charles Mungoshi.

Her company, JM Productions, has been in existence for the past 20 years although up to now she has concentrated on documentaries. Notable among her products is “Camarada Presidente” which won a Zimbabwe International Film Festival Award in 2014. She also produced “Mysteries of Mt Nyangani”.

The movie is being produced in conjunction with Mirazvo Productions. The soundtrack is by Jah Prayzah. The musician, who has previously featured in a comedy, takes on a serious acting role as he plays Timoti, a village lover boy who is battling to keep the girl of his dreams.

Those who have watched the video to his duet with Botswana musician Charma Gal “Dali Wami” – in which he plays a star-crossed village lover boy, will know that Jah Prayzah should excel as Timoti.

Nothando Nobengula, who acted in the movie “The Zimbabwe I Know” is Monica, the heroine who is being coerced into marrying Mujubheki, a man three times her age whose character is played by Charles Mzemba.

Jesesi Mungoshi takes on the character of VaChingweru, Monica’s avaricious mother who is trying to engineer her daughter’s marriage to the rich Mujubheki.

Mudhara Danger, another veteran that the older viewers will remember as the character Chikwama in “Mukadota”, is Mushayazano, Monica’s hapless father who is henpecked by VaChingweru. On the technical side Nick and Mike Zemura are the directors of photography.

“Makunun’unu Mawodzamoyo” was published in 1970 but remains relevant to today.

“We are shooting at the village. Times may have changed insofar as dressing and some cultural trends like people trvalling in cars instead of walking from point A to B, but issues that affect us a society remain the same,” said director Farayi Mungoshi.

“We are camping on site and it is a novel experience. The cast and crew have been amazing,” said Jesesi.

Charles Mungoshi himself is battling health issues that have been ongoing for a while. He recently had a head operation.