JANUARY 31, 2025, remains noticeable for the sold-out and well-attended premiere of the film Dunamis at Ster Kinekor Joina City in Harare, which is a landmark achievement for the multi-talented producer Marc Mandishora aka Mandisoul.
Dunamis is a story about a violent and corrupt detective who is anti-Christ, because of his mother’s experience with a pastor who duped her.
The detective seeks to shut down all pentecostal churches, starting with the most popular one run by Bishop Duncan Fraser.
In a conversation with NewsDay Life & Style, Mandishora said: “Dunamis premiere was a unique red carpet experience and we had a very good turnout for this cinema experience for my latest film.
“The film was very well received and despite having what was considered by some as the most expensive ticket, people got value for their money.”
He added: “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.
“I think Zimbabwe film is on the right track and the cinema culture can easily be re-established if we all push towards taking the productions onto this important platform consistently.”
Mandishora urged local cinema houses to put local content in cinemas, adding that he was excited about the prospects NuMetro presented “to us as producers”.
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He said other cinemas had been sidelining Zimbabwean content and did not respect their creative art.
“They charge exorbitant fees for cinema hire and ignore Zimbabwean content. NuMetro is a fresh opportunity.”
Nyasha Nhongo said he had a lifetime experience to live and act 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,” he said.
“We hope this film will inspire a lot of actors as well as filmmakers as they notice how film changes people’s life.
“As people of faith, I hope people look at Dunamis as a standard from which all pioneers will get inspiration.”
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 being a virtuous guy and a bad guy. It was really challenging to come out with the best version of either character,” he said.
“I am actually looking for more opportunities of playing a lead role again as an actor. I enjoyed being part of the launch and listening to my acting voice and the entire movie.
“I believe the film Dunamis should be screened at other venues. It is spiritually edifying, especially to devoted Christians.”
The other characters, who featured 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, who all expressed gratitude that the film not only catapulted them to stardom, but made them grow in their professional careers.
Mandishora, who is also the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Oscars Committee, admitted that the year 2025 is most likely his busiest as he seeks to reach out to audience 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,” he said.
“This is a truly global project with international cinematic appeal.”
