NGOZI, a horror film produced by Mutare-based Vuvuzela Visual Studios, has captured the imagination of movie fans.
Film script writer and director Martin Makaya has been pleasantly surprised by the response the movie has generated since it premiered on YouTube a fortnight ago.
“Among other things, I attribute the positive response to the fact that we ventured into new terrain. We opted for a horror movie because it is different and challenging.
“It is not the easiest genre to shoot but certainly it was worth the shot. Ngozi was inspired by real life experiences which are otherwise not always identified by most storytellers,” Makaya told the Daily News.
The film, which also features Rachel Chirara as Jayden, Steven Mutsago as Trevor and Shingirai Manyengavana as Madzibaba, was largely shot in Mutare, with a small part of the motion picture being filmed in Dora, on the outskirts of the Eastern border city.
Other members of the cast include Emmanuel Mundoringisa who acts as Phineas, Sheron Gombera as Mufundisi and fringe actors who include Tapiwa Marahwa, Chantelle Samkange and Mazvita Bvunzawabaya.
Makaya, who previously directed short films such as Kubhusha and Hondo, tapped into the experience of producers who included Igi Matope, Steven Mutsago and Tapiwa Marahwa.
Makaya studied film and theatre arts at Midlands State University Before joining Mutare-based Diamond FM as a senior technical producer-cum-presenter.
“I am now doing film making on a full time basis. Apart from film making, Vuvuzela Visual Studios recently ventured into billboard marketing and fine art,” he said.