‘Wenera’ premieres on TV
Some fo the cast from 'Wenera'

Some fo the cast from ‘Wenera’

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Entertainment Reporter—
Zimbabwe’s first high definition soapie entitled “Wenera” premiered on local television screens last week, after a long wait. The much-waited soap is screened every Monday at 1930 hours with repeats in the afternoon every Thursday. The soap, which began its shooting several months ago, was written by renowned film director Edmore Ndlovu and features among its cast Arnold Gara, Denzel Burutsa, Eddy Sandifolo, Fatima Makunganya, Jane Dembo, Taurai Kawara, Isabel Dongo, Farai Chigudu and Lorna Chidodo among other top-notch actors.

According to its synopisis, the film focuses on the business world and revolves around Wenera Diamond, run by one family that ends up mixing business and personal affairs.

One staunch soap critic and analyst, Mcmillian Mawiwi, said the soap is in the right direction.

“I have seen a lot of soaps and I am happy that Zimbabwe is improving. Who knew something good can come after Studio 263. I think for Wenera, so far the first episode shows light at the end of the television production tunnel,” he said.

Series director Ndlovu was excited about the project as it portends a new era for television viewers.

“Finally, the soap is here and it is my dream come true. I have struck a deal with ZBC TV, which is fruitful and am happy that so far it has received overwhelming response from the corporate world. So far the soap is supposed to run for a long time and on our shootings we are already four episodes ahead. It is full of twists and turns, drama, suspense and I am happy with the team that I am working with, nothing can stop us from dreaming big,” he said.

He added that he chose to shoot the soap in high definition so as to catch up with other African productions.

“We took a long time to shoot because we wanted to acquire proper cameras hence we had to wait for the right time. The soap is being shot on different locations and a star-studded cast together with upcoming actors complete Wenera,” he said.

He said the soap would promote Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and is working to have subtitles in English wherever Shona or Ndebele is used.

Ndlovu said they were set for a “Meet the Actors” tour next month.

“We are doing like how proper soaps we grew up watching. Late next month, we have our tour where our actors meet the public. I think by now some have already fallen in love with the characters. The tour will be carried out in different cities and towns. We are working closely with some stakeholders and we can’t release the list because of our contractual obligations,” he said.

The tour will also see the cast filming one of the episodes with lucky fans during a wedding scene.

“We are still to finalise on how it will go because we want not only to meet the stars but also have our country marketed. We will shoot some scenes at some local tourist hotspots so that viewers will also get to know about Zimbabwe,” he said.

He said the cast is complete although some renowned international actors are set to appear in the soap.

“Wenera is big. We have some of the local and top international actors who are making it big abroad and said they want to feature in the soap. We will still stick to the script but the international stars will be in some of the episodes,” he said.

Asked if he is going to submit the production to DStv channels, the director said the soap was for first and foremost for Zimbabwean viewers.

“I understand we have the Mzansi Magic, Zambezi Magic, SABC 1-2-3. They would be green with envy because my production is now on the same level with them if not better. The soap is a first for Zimbabwe there and I am working well with our local station,” he said.

He said just like any soap, his production will run with societal themes in mind as well as other pertinent issues.

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