Zimbabwe-born United States-based actress Danai Gurira and
American actor Forest Whitaker will join local stars for the upcoming
documentary, ‘‘The Rise of Emmerson Mnangagwa’’.
The film is being produced by Tatenda Gate and directed by
Zimbabwe-born United Kingdom-based Kenny Gasa.
According to the producer, the film is now on its
pre-production and will be shot in Zimbabwe beginning of next month.
“We are just finalising on the budget and the shootings
will begin next month. Danai and Forest will be coming down a week before the
shoot. We have Asha Stuart from US, who is a scriptwriter and will be able to
help us on research.
‘‘We also have Gunnar Orn, a film cinematographer, who will
lead the film team together with Stefania Vignisdottir. The idea of the film is
to capture the attention of black people across the globe and young forward
thinking youths,” he said.
Gate said Zimbabweans should be able to tell their own
story.
“Zimbabwe has a short modern history and so much has
happened. Some people don’t even know what Rhodesia was. Our story has never
been told and we have to be smart on how we tell the story.
‘‘The feature film is about the fight for independence in
Zimbabwe focusing on President Mnangagwa’s journey from his days as a young
man, getting involved in anti-colonial politics through his time as a freedom
fighter and evolving into a politician leading Government in a new Zimbabwe,”
he said.
He said the film is inspired by freedom fighters who
brought Independence and freedom to Zimbabwe.
“To understand the history of our country we wish to
portray what life was like in Zimbabwe before colonisation and how Europeans
raided the country in the late 19th century.
‘‘We will portray what it was like for the black majority
to live under white rule in Rhodesia,” he said.
Gate said the film structure will encompass pre-colonial
Zimbabwe, young Emmerson Mnangagwa’s life in Rhodesia, his imprisonment and his
role in the struggle for Independence to the birth of the Second Republic. The
film will also explore ED’s fresh mandate and vision for the future.
Gate expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information,
Publicity and Broadcasting Services for giving them the opportunity to start on
the project, and corporates who are helping with funding. Herald
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