By Farai Gwaze
POPULAR media personality and comedienne, Mai TT, has made her debut in Nollywood, a move hailed as a breakthrough that could help reposition Zimbabwe’s film industry on the international stage.
She recently starred in the Nigerian production “Lost in Ashes”, sharing the screen with renowned Nollywood actors including Mike Ezuruonye, Mike Godson, Chinyere Wilfred, Anita Joseph, and Joy Ezeike.
“The movie is ‘Lost in Ashes’ and I did it in Nigeria, featuring Mike Ezuruonye, Mike Godson, Chinyere Wilfred, Anita Joseph, and Joy Ezeike, just to name a few,” she said.
Motivated by nostalgia for Zimbabwe’s cinematic golden era and concern about the country’s declining visibility on the international scene, Mai TT deliberately sought exposure and training abroad to help revitalise local film production.
“The industry now feels like we are not there anymore. Back then, we used to watch Yellow Card, Neria, we used to sit and watch TV on ZBC, and it was so exciting. We used to watch Studio 263, and all those dramas. I was like, ‘I want to do something that will bring our country onto the map, especially in the acting part.’ We are not recognised outside, in Nigeria, America, or anywhere. I was like I want to do something,” she added.
Beyond acting, the media personality has invested in learning film production, acquiring executive producer skills to contribute meaningfully to industry growth back home.
“I also want to help the film industry grow, that’s why I had to travel to Nigeria not only to act but to learn how to make movies. So I learnt how to be an executive producer, which is making movies,” she noted.
Mai TT’s international breakthrough and newly acquired expertise mark a significant step towards reinvigorating Zimbabwe’s film sector and restoring its presence on the global cinematic map.
