The Sunday News
Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
COMMISSIONED by the former Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and now Vice-President of Zimbabwe Constantino Chiwenga, Chinhoyi 7 biotic war film is fast becoming the talk of the moment.
A few weeks ago, Black Panther movie brought the world to a standstill; social media was ablaze before and after the movie was premièred.
Zimbabweans celebrated actress Danai Gurira’s feature in the blockbuster film while many people were admiring the incredibility of the project.
While memories of Black Panther are still fresh and others are yet to watch the movie, it seems the Chinhoyi 7 film is attracting all the corners of Zimbabwe as its première date nears.
The film is based on true events of the Chinhoyi Seven that saw seven liberation war fighters namely David Guzuzu, Arthur Maramba, Christopher Chatambudza, Simon Chingosha Nyandoro, Godfrey Manyerenyere, Godwin Dube and Chubby Savanhu challenge Ian Smith regime after a successful journey from Zambia in 1966.
Written by Moses Matanda and produced by United Kingdom-based Tawanda Sarireni, Chinhoyi 7 promises to be a hit. Movie lovers are already relishing for an unforgettable night when they throng the famous Ster-Kinekor cinemas in Zimbabwe.
The movie was first reported to be in the making in 2014. With the help of Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Honde Valley Television, the movie will be first premièred at Ster-Kinekor in Borrowdale, Harare from 1800hrs on 16 March.
What makes the movie so special is the fact that it features renowned artistes that include the likes of Albert Nyathi, Fungai Zvakavapano Mashavane, British actor Julian Shaw, Greg Brown and Cynthia Stone from Canada. Poet Nyathi popularly known for his poetic hit song plays the role of the late former Vice-President of Zimbabwe, Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo.
With such a star-studded line-up, the movie promises to be the first of its kind that will be talked about for years to come. It is set to bring the bravery of the Chinhoyi Seven fighters to life and enlighten children about the political history of Zimbabwe which many are not aware of.
The Chinhoyi Seven fighters were reportedly cornered and killed when they ran out of ammunition, however, their brave action has been credited for starting the second Chimurenga war that culminated in the Independence of Zimbabwe in 1980.
With days left to the official première of the much anticipated movie, Zimbabwe Defence Forces spokesperson Colonel Overson Mugwisi encouraged Zimbabweans to bring their families and loved ones to Ster-Kinekor cinemas to support local stars as well as learn, and be reminded of the revolutionary history of Zimbabwe.
“Nothing can stop the movie from rocking cinemas now. It is a national movie and there is no age restriction. The movie will help revisit our revolutionary history, where we come from and where we are going. Zimbabweans should be aware of the struggles and pain faced by our national heroes. The movie will help educate children their political history as well as ignite our Zimbabwean pride,” he said.
Colonel Mugwisi said all Zimbabweans were going to have the chance to watch the movie as it was very important for them to be reminded of their origins.
“After the movie is premièred in Harare, probably the following day the movie will make its debut in Bulawayo. If there are any changes members of the media will be notified or updated for them to also pass on the message to the fans waiting to watch the movie. Everyone needs to see the movie. It’s a beautiful movie that will keep the audience entertained,” he said. -@NcubeBhekumuzi
