The invisible hand behind the camera

By Newsday | Sep. 4, 2021 | 5 Min read

Munashe Chitsiga from Chitungwiza is one such artist. Having edited over 20 films and 10 documentaries, only a few within his circles know what he does for a living.

BY TAFADZWA KACHIKO

IN the world of film, most crew members remain invisible despite having an input in productions that make waves. Munashe Chitsiga from Chitungwiza is one such artist. Having edited over 20 films and 10 documentaries, only a few within his circles know what he does for a living.

Introduction

“I am a God-fearing person, born and raised in Chitungwiza with so much love for arts although I can’t take part in other disciplines.

“I am now a full-time filmmaker, working in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana. I have worked mostly as an editor. Lest I forget, I am single.

Becoming an editor

“Growing up I had an obsession with computer games and at the age of 16, I bought my first machine and installed a number of softwares. Instead of focusing on games only, I found myself learning editing and mastering more skills.

“I started editing small videos and in 2016, we made a film and there was no one to edit it. I volunteered and I can say that was my entry into the industry as an editor.

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“Although I did not have much confidence in my work, the film — Deep Thought — produced by renowned filmmaker Melgin Tafirenyika opened doors to more editing jobs. I became so much interested in editing after realising that it pays faster than any other roles in a production.”

Inspiration

“I was inspired by many local filmmakers before I joined the industry in 2015. I remember watching the likes of Joe Njagu, Melgin and Nakai Tsuro on the news. This gave me so much hope.”

Getting into the groove

“My filmmaking journey was tough at its early stages. Since I started young, few people appreciated my work. Rejection was a big blow.

“I tried to look for support but to no avail.

“It was tough because many producers did not pay for services rendered. They would pretend as if there was no budget even though the production got sponsorship.”

“Access to resources was another challenge. I, however, managed to secure some equipment and eventually established my own production company, McTain.

“Through that company, I managed to get production and editing jobs. I would love to do more work, but the industry is struggling to secure funding and that alone affects our productions.

“Lacking support from society and fellow industry players has been the toughest of my challenges. I am still going through this and I hope with time things will change.”

Grooming

“A lot of people shaped my career, but I will mention a few who nurtured me from the early stages. Director of photography, Martin Manyange believed in me and accorded me the opportunity to develop my talent in 2015.

“Along the way I met Melgin Tafirenyika, whom I have worked with on a number of local and South African films. Lastly, Admire Kanhenga gave me motivation, skills and tools to work with.”

Films edited

“I have edited over 20 films and about 10 documentaries. These include Chihombiro, produced by Melgin and 206 Bones. All films I edited were aired on DStv’s Zambezi Magic channel.

“A couple of my films and documentaries were screened at different festivals across the world such as the United Nations’ Plurals Plus where the film Where Is Home won the best video award in 2018. It also came first at the Zimbabwean International Film Festival’s short film competition.”

Working abroad

“I was contracted on numerous productions. In 2016, I edited a Zimbabwean-South African Shortlist, worked as a colourist for a Botswana series, Mojwadi in 2018 and a South African feature film Candice in 2020.

“I also managed to work on my own short film in South Africa called Life Right available on YouTube.

“Currently, I am editing another Mzansi series Portia’s Grave Boyfriend, which will hit the screen soon. I came back home shortly and I will return to South Africa to complete the project.

The experience

“Working with other nationalities was amazing. I learnt their languages and cultures, and most importantly their craft.

“I realised that the working environments were different from home. Their approaches are advanced.”

Observations

“To me, the film industry is the same wherever you go. With editing, the workflow is the same world over and the only difference is that in Zimbabwe we make shortcuts maybe it’s because of limited resources. So, the major thing that I learnt is to do things professionally. Respecting industry rules has great impact on personal and project’s success.

“I also learnt the standards for television editing which are not available locally. Many local projects fail because of ignorance. There are certain technical expectations that a project should pass for it to be successful and worth screening.”

Other talents

“With the nature of our industry, one is bound to multi-task. So, when I joined the film industry in 2015, I had no specific role.

“I took many roles until I discovered that I was more of an editor and scriptwriter. I do camera work, I can direct and write.”

Working behind the scenes

“It is very unfortunate that the star-makers are not noticed or celebrated enough. It takes a team to make a film, but the guys in front of the camera take all the glory. My hope is one day we get equal attention.”

Aspirations

“One of my dreams is to pass on the editing skills to others so that I can help our industry to grow. As my aspiration is to shape society through film, I have helped five people venture into film production and I am proud of that. I have always wanted to help in shaping the society through film since it has been so influential in societies. I feel that it is my duty mostly to restore our culture and values.

“For a long time we have been consuming foreign films which I think harms our culture. I believe that eventually I would work for big companies beyond South Africa and Botswana.”

Stimulating moments

“The most exciting moments in my career were when I attended festivals abroad and rubbed shoulders with foreign filmmakers. My spirit was also uplifted when I was invited to work on a Barbados-Ghanaian film in 2018. I, however, failed to make it due to other commitments. But the network created is still there and growing. Getting paying jobs and winning awards gave me motivation to work harder.”

Forthcoming productions

“I have a feature and a short film Let’s Plot a Wedding and Right Now which are ready for premiere, but I am just waiting for COVID-19 to calm down and find a better way to release it. I am working on other short films, some of which will be released in the coming weeks. The short films will be available on McTain’s social media platform and will be accessed for free.”