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Sophia Chese : Arts Correspondent

A Zimbabwean film “Taken” won the New York Film Academy award for the Talent Based Award last week. The film was produced and directed by an upcoming film producer, Jonathan Samukange. In an interview with The Herald Review, Samukange said he was excited that his efforts were being appreciated abroad despite being a self taught student of film-making.“Since I did not attend any formal film-making school, I never thought that I would one day walk away the winner of such a prestigious award,” he said.

“In fact I was very surprised when we won the award since the movie was meant to be a practice piece,” he

said.

He highlighted that

the film was a love story that focuses on day-to-day

challenges people in love face.

“The film is a mixture of science fiction and our culture. It also incorporates the international standard of shooting to cater for international audience,” he said.

“It is a great love story with a fun twist that can have an impact on almost everyone who has been in love.

“I am optimistic that the film will also have an impact back here because it always feels good to be appreciated at home,” he said.

He also said he was currently working on a new film to be released on May 1 which he believes will take the film industry by storm.

“I am currently putting final touches to my latest film which I will release on the first of May.

“This one is a masterpiece and I am sure it is going to make a huge impact once it is released.

“I have done everything in my power to make it a masterpiece,” he said.

The young filmmaker is working with two other producers, Takudzwa Musesani and Irvine Chizhande.