ZIMBABWEAN filmmaker Melgin Tafirenyika, who was based in South Africa for almost a decade, has returned home and opened a studio in Chitungwiza.
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During his stint in the neighbouring country, Tafirenyika shot to fame with his debut movie, I Will Marry Myself, which made it to DStv’s Mzansi Magic and looks poised to scale greater heights.
Tafirenyika also featured in several South African television productions that include Isidingo, Game Mates, Twist and Strike Back, and has done several music videos and advertisements with renowned companies.
The filmmaker-cum-model said his wish was to open a film school in the country that would help to improve the state of the local film sector.
“It was a great experience staying in South Africa for the past 10 years and I am happy to be bringing home the knowledge amassed in a foreign land, joining the likes of veterans among them Tsitsi Dangarembga, Joe Jangu, Nakai Tsuro and Von Tavaziva, who have defied all odds by working hard to produce more work even when there seems to be no reward,” Tafirenyika said.
“During my stay in South Africa, I have learnt a lot of things, among them the technique of shooting movies and I am going to use that experience to help fellow brothers who are here in Zimbabwe.”
Tafirenyika said he wanted to shoot and produce high-end movies that would compete at international festivals such as the Durban Festival of South Africa and compete for Oscar awards as best foreign films.
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“It might sound very impossible talking of Zimbabwean films competing at international festivals, but if we look at the talent we have in Zimbabwe, with the likes of Danai Gurira and Arnold Chirisa, who are raising high our flag in Hollywood, a clear testimony that it is possible to break the boundaries,” Tafirenyika said.
Meanwhile, Tafirenyika’s Sour Milk, which premièred last year at Eastgate Ster Kinekor in the capital is now available locally on DVDs.
Co-written by United Kingdom-based, Nigerian scriptwriter Anderline-Gold Ergbuhuzor, the film tackles topical issues affecting marriages in which women are exposed to abuse and insecurity and once they find the courage to walk away, men describe it as Sour Milk.
The storyline of the film creates universal awareness that marriage should be a place of peace; happiness and tranquillity for everyone involved.
“It was not that rosy to complete this production as we had no sponsors and worked on a low budget from our pockets just to make sure we fulfil our dreams of coming up with a product of international quality,” he said.
Tafirenyika urged people to buy original DVDs as a way of supporting local content for the growth of the industry.
