PRODUCER-CUM-SCRIPTWRITER of the hilarious Gringo comedy says he is in trouble with creditors after failing to raise enough money to cover the costs of his latest production, Gringo the Troublemaker.
Report by Entertainment Reporter
Enock Chihombori, who played Tobby in previous Gringo productions, told NewsDay he borrowed money to produce the movie hoping to cover the debts with proceeds from the film.
However, the film was pirated, while he was still to release it on DVD resulting in huge losses.
Chihombori refused to disclose how much he owes his creditors, but NewsDay has learnt he used about $50 000 for complete production. It is not clear how much, if any, he has paid back.
The producer opted to have the film screened in cinemas before it went on DVD in an attempt to raise money and beat piracy, but copies of the production leaked to the streets.
By the time Chihombori released the original DVD, piracy had overtaken him.
He described this development as his worst in his arts career indicating he could quit the industry.
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Speaking to NewsDay from his Botswana base, Chihombori said he was yet to come to terms with what happened to their product.
“When we opted to screen the film in movie houses and delay to put it on DVDs, we wanted to try and contain piracy so as to recover our production costs, but this never happened. There are people who do not respect other people’s efforts,” said Chihombori.
He confirmed creditors were after him.
“I cannot reveal the figures to the public, but I am in trouble over the outstanding debts. I am hurt and I have never felt such pain.
“I have come to realise how difficult it is to survive through arts in Zimbabwe. Many people have asked me to pursue arts full- time, but I have resisted such a move in a country like ours.
“I believe this is high time I must focus more on another career and take filmmaking as a hobby. This should not be the case, but unfortunately that is the reality.”
Chihombori said on several occasions aspiring filmmakers had asked him for financial assistance because they saw him as a successful filmmaker.
“I have not been able to assist. I have tried hard in the industry, but I do not get what I deserve. I am now suffering because of this industry.”
