The Sunday News
PRODUCERS of the much anticipated drama movie, Qiniso, are almost through with the project and have hinted that the film will be released in less than two months from now. Directed by up and coming filmmaker, Lenni “Mdawini” Sibanda, whose works have been showcased as far as Germany, the movie features actors such as Bulawayo model Bokani Nleya, socialite Gilmore Moyo affectionately known as Gilmore T, hip-hop artiste Thorne P and Leroy M Ndlovu who starred in Moonlight Cross.
Sunday Leisure had an opportunity to witness the shooting of one of the scenes along Samuel Parirenyatwa Street and 4th Avenue in Bulawayo and it was evident that the young cast behind the motion picture meant serious business.
Commenting on the sidelines of the shoot, Sibanda said he was satisfied with the progress.
“As a director I am happy with the spirit shown by the cast and crew, we were a family as we helped each other during the shoot. Actors chipped in with ideas and production items needed for the shoot. Even though the story is non-linear and very complicated, the actors knew how to express themselves and play their characters. During the shoot we did a few experimental scenes with the cast. The production team ensured efficiency during the shoot period, it shows that with planning and organisation a quality film can be done with little resources,” noted Sibanda.
Produced by Thubelihle Moyo and Kudakwashe Takundwa, with cinematographic work done by renowned videographer Ernest Mackina, the film is said to target the African market because of its story line.
“With the kind of actors we have we are expecting to take this film to the African market and tell them the Zimbabwean story. Our story is authentic and it’s unique in many ways — it is a true Zimbo story,” said Takundwa.
Added Sibanda: “I think the filmmaking industry in Bulawayo should foster special relations which allow collaborative productions. Mackina and I have done a couple of projects together and we understand our individual work ethics, we aim to do more productions together.
Mackina’s background in photography was of benefit, as the shots were well-composed and the innovative camera angles added depth to the film.
“We shot at a beautiful location, Lalani Lodge and Conference Centre in Matsheumhlope, which gave us the inspiration to be creative in our interpretation of the script; it gave us very beautiful visual frames and spaces.”
Lenni Mdawini grew up in Bulawayo’s Pumula suburb and rose to considerable influence in the film-making industry with one of his films having been shown in Germany earlier this year. The movie was well received in the European country and Qiniso will likely propel him to dizzy heights.
