Leisure Reporter

ZIMBABWEAN-BORN film writer and director, Joe Njagu, was recently honoured and named under 35 top 35 of the Young African Leaders in International Affairs in the media category by Young People in International Affairs in South Africa.

Njagu is better known for writing and producing the hit movie Lobola, which starred “Diamond boy’’ Munyaradzi Chidzonga in 2010.

“You are truly making an immense impact in your country on the African continent and worldwide,’’ read an email sent to Njagu by the organiSers.

In an interview he said he was elated that his work had not gone unnoticed.

“I owe all this to God the Almighty. Last year I won the best director award in America. I did not anticipate that anything would beat it but now the YPIA just confirmed I am on the right path.”

Njagu won the best director award at the American Film Festival for the movie The Gentleman.

He mentioned that this was just the beginning of greater things to come.

“I am working on several projects. One of them is a script that I hope will be shot in October.

“I am also working on a sitcom and a reality talk show,’’ he said.

Njagu, arguably becomes one of the few writers and directors to have his work noticed internationally.

His hopes and dreams are to receive worldwide recognition such as that of American film director, screenwriter, producer, video game designer, and studio entrepreneur, Steven Spielberg.

Lobola was his best-selling movie and premiered even in neighbouring South Africa.

The movie was welcomed very well in that country as well as in Zimbabwe.