Story by Colette Musanyera
ZIMBABWEAN productions continue to attract international recognition, with the latest being ‘Mirage’ which has been nominated in three categories at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) set for Canada in September.
Produced by revered film-maker Joe Njagu and directed by former Miss Zimbabwe, Malaika Mushandu, ‘Mirage’ which is the first Zimbabwean film to be recognised on such platform, has been nominated in the Best Feature Film, Best Picture Film, and Best Female Filmmaker categories at the Seventh Edition of the TINFF.
Mirage director, Malaika Mushandu says the nomination is a confirmation that Zimbabwe can produce films that match international standards.
“The nomination speaks to the talent we have within our borders. We don’t have to go outside to seek help, we have enough people with expertise. It speaks to the quality we can produce in Zimbabwe if we put our minds together. The nomination shows we have enough talent and we can compete with African heavyweights like Nollywood and the South African film industry. Nigeria is the African country with the most nominations because they have enough funding to produce quality productions. The moment our own corporates chip in, the better quality we will have. I think the moment corporates start understanding the value in the film industry, the better quality we are going to produce,” said Mushandu.
‘Mirage’ which is based on the story of women incarcerated at a maximum prison, explores gender-based violence (GBV) against women, its repercussions, and other female-related issues.
It stars veteran actors, Prudence Katomeni Mbofana, Charmaine Mujeri, Chipo Bizure, Stewart Sakarombe and Eunice Tava.
This is not the first time that ‘Mirage’ has been nominated for an international award after making it into three categories at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in Nigeria, before scooping an award at the Zimbabwe International Film Festival in 2022.
