A local feature film directed by former international top model — Malaika Mushandu — got three nods at the African Movie Academy Award, capping a year that has been fantastic for Zimbabwean movies.
This was the first time for Malaika to direct a film and now that she has already received thumbs up for it, she is considering moving out from the behind-the-scenes to front of the camera.
Malaika has already made a name for herself in the modelling world, but with her debut feature film “Mirage”, she makes an impressive entry into the film world.
“The key to it was collaborations with the right people, Joe Njagu Film and MX Production, she said.
Asked if she would act in upcoming films, Malaika did not mince her words saying she was up for it.
“Yes, I would if I believed enough in the script and project,” she enthused.
For those not in the know, Malaika studied film at AFDA the school motion picture and medium school in Johannesburg, South Africa. She holds a BA in Performing Arts and Medium.
Mirage joins the ranks of other quality films released such as “Gonarezhou” and “Shaina” while “Cook Off” was the first Zimbabwean movie ever to be accepted onto the global streaming platform Netflix.
The local production Mirage has been nominated for not only one, but 3 awards for Best Soundtrack (Prudence Katomeni Mbofana and Gwevedzi), Best Actress in a supporting role (Charmaine Mujeri) and the main award for the Best First Feature film by a director (Malaika Mushandu).
Lending her talent for storytelling to the film industry, Malaika wants to give a voice to the often-underrepresented half of the population – the woman.
Therefore, it is not by accident that “Mirage” is about three women who escape prison, only to find out that the walls of life are much harder to overcome. The script was written by seasoned writer Virginia Jekanyika and the film was produced by legendary producer Joe Njagu in collaboration with MMX Productions and Malaika Productions.
The film is yet to have its official world premiere, likely to be held early next year, depending on the development of COVID-19.
The award show will be held in Lagos on the 20.th of December, but due to the virus restrictions the show will also be streamed live via the AMAA Facebook group and various other platforms – please see the AMAA website for details. As for the next plans, the filmmakers are keeping their cards tight for the time being – but safe to say that we will hear more from them and form the movie “Mirage” in the beginning of 2021 – and that we can look forward to.
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