PRODUCER Marc Mandishora aka Mandisoul is on cloud nine after the premiere of his film Dunamis at Ster Kinekor Joina City in Harare on Friday last week.
Because of complaints about the high cost of entry, audience had a consensus that local cinema houses should provide support for African movies by adjusting their venue hire charges to accommodate up-and-coming African film producers.
Mandishora told NewsDay Life & Style that the film was well-received, adding that people got value for their money.
“We are now preparing to take the film to Bulawayo, Mutare and Masvingo and will have another presentation with a different cinema chain that will feature special guests from the international film scene just before we stream the film,” he said.
“I think Zimbabwean film is on the right track and the cinema culture can easily be re-established if we all push towards taking the productions to this important platform consistently.
“I would like to urge local cinema houses to start putting local content in cinemas and am excited about the prospects NuMetro presents for us as producers. Nu Metro is a fresh opportunity.”
The film is a story about a violent and corrupt detective with a personal vendetta against the body of Christ, based on his mother's unsavoury experience with a pastor who duped her.
He seeks to shut down all pentecostal churches starting with the most popular ministry run by Bishop Duncan Fraser.
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Nyasha Nhongo said he had a lifetime experience when he played the character of Advocate Ezekiel Mabhena in a period of three months. He added that it was a learning experience.
“The launch of Dunamis was actually more rewarding because it is interesting to see the fruits of hard work other people put in as I was not present at each and every scene. We hope this film will inspire a lot of actors and filmmakers as they notice how film changes a people’s life.
“As people of faith, I hope people look at Dunamis as a standard from which all pacesetters or pioneers will get inspiration,” Nhongo said.
Edmond Chamer who played Detective Bernard said he enjoyed every moment of working with the cast and crew. Detective Bernard was a complex character to dramatise, he alternated between a virtuous guy and a bad guy. It was really challenging to come up with the best version telling the truth about the character,” he said.
“I am actually looking for more opportunities to be enrolled as an actor. I enjoyed being part of the launch and listening to my acting voice and the entire movie. I believe Dunamis should be given more time to be screened at other venues. It is spiritually edifying especially to the devoted Christians,” Chamer said.
The other characters in the film are Jermaine Cole Mandisoul, Winter Sky Mandisoul, Paul Shephard, Devante Ray Britten, Shylet Mupeti, Raymond Zvarova, Declorencia Shiri and Tafadzwa Bob Mutumbi. They expressed gratitude that the film was not only realisation of a stardom dream but a growth in their professional acting.
Mandishora, who is also the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Oscars Committee, said 2025 was most likely to be one of his busiest years as he sought to reach out to audiences across the globe.
“Dunamis is dignified enough for a successful Film Festival run in 2025 that will take us to Cannes, Tribeca, Amsterdam, New York, Los Angeles, Canada, Japan and other major festival venues. This is a truly global project with international cinematic appeal,” Mandishora said.
