Story by Farai Gwaze
ZIMBABWEAN film producers continue to tackle social challenges in the community, with the latest production titled “Psyche” focusing on mental health issues.
Currently featured on the Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF) screening schedule, Psyche is written and directed Ms Lindiwe Mugwara, whose work is garnering attention for its unique narrative approach and technological innovation.
The ground-breaking film explores the complexities of mental health through an innovative narrative structure.
“Psyche is about an individual experiencing a psychotic episode. The central theme of the film is mental health. It abandons the traditional linear structure, it is an abstract film. The production was completed in 2023 with support from Matamba Film Labs, Electric South, and the Zimbabwe German Society,” Ms Mugwara said.
By abandoning traditional linear storytelling, the film creates an immersive experience for the viewer using virtual reality (VR).
The piece is a VR experience, where the user is immersed in a computer-generated environment which one gets through wearing a virtual reality headset. Currently, the film is not out yet as it is still doing festival rounds, but the general goal is to release it to the public through platforms such as YouTube,” she added.
Psyche is a shining example of Zimbabwean creativity and innovation in cinema, as young filmmakers continue to explore new ways to capture audiences and tell compelling stories on contemporary societal challenges.
