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Memory Savanhu

Tafadzwa Zimoyo recently in LAGOS, Nigeria
Zimbabwean-born Nollywood actress-cum-producer Memory Savanhu is coming back home this month ahead of her film project to be done here.

The actress is set to shoot her first movie in the country which will feature some of the popular Nigerian actors.

She declined to name the actors in the production but said big names would be part of it.

Savanhu has featured in popular Nigerian movies such as “Lagos Cougars”, “Reloaded” and “One Fine Day” among others.

Among the films she has produced is “Distance Between”, which stars renowned Nollywood personalities such as Rita Dominic, Mercy Johnson and Yemi Blaq.

In an interview in Lagos, Savanhu said preparations are at advanced stage and it will be her dream come true combining forces with Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

“Finally the time is now, for me to shoot the movie I have been longing for.

I will be in Zimbabwe in two weeks time but not staying for long because I also need to go and see my family which is now based in United Kingdom.

I have already written the script and still in negotiating process with some of the most wanted and loved Nigerian actors to fly with me to Zimbabwe and feature in my project,” she said.

She said she will engage local producers and directors.

“I have heard a lot of what is happening in Zimbabwe.

I want the movie to be more Zimbabwean hence will work with some of the reputable directors at home. I am also looking at the issue of equipment because I know it is a challenge back home but will use my expertise and some that I will source to produce better quality and production which meets the Nollywood style,” she said.

Asked what she feels about Zimbabwe being not on the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards show, she said it is saddening.

“Zimbabwe is talented and our content is good. We have the best producers.

“I am surprised why we don’t enter such platforms. Maybe most people in the industry don’t know the procedures but I will start empowering the filmmakers and assist them on what they can do.

“We need to invest more in film although we have limited resources and we should aim high.

“My plea is we should rally behind the film sector and if possible Government too can chip in the sector for it to grow,” she said.

The star said she will conduct a workshop on film production.

“My role model is Nigerian star Izu Ojukwu. We are going to have a workshop on film production and on how best we can help each other,” she said.

She has featured in Nigeria’s widely read magazines — “Vanguard” and “Golden Icons” and is working on her own television show centred on cosmetics.

“I am about to launch my cosmetic range. I am travelling to Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Ghana and South Africa among other countries promoting my range,” she said.

Recently she made headlines at the AMVCAs’ show where she spoke some lines in Shona during her presentation

The actress studied drama in London, where she grew up and also attended the New York Film Academy, where she studied filmmaking from 2008 to 2009.