It was glitz and glamour last Saturday night at the premiere of new regional movie “Sour Milk” at Eastgate Ster Kinekor. The premeire saw directors, actors and fans pose for a photo-shoot at the red carpet before watching the 105-minute movie.
The emotional movie was written by South Africa-based Zimbabwean filmmaker Melgin Tafirenyika and Nigerian journalist Anderline Egbuhuzor.
The film, which is based on HIV/AIDS and promiscuity was shot in South Africa and has Shona subtitles.
Speaking at the red carpet event, Tafirenyika said he was happy with the huge turnout from locals including reputable movie directors and actors.
“When we planned this thing we didn’t have this huge turnout in mind. We are very excited to see how Zimbabweans have appreciated and supported the movies. This is the second movie after ‘I Will Marry Myself’, which we released late last year,” he said.
He said the movie will also be shown in other African countries.
“We started with Zimbabwe because there are a lot of actors from here in the film. We are set to embark on an African tour promoting the movie with premieres. Our next stop is South Africa. We will also go to United Kingdom to start our European tour,” he said.
Tafirenyika, a former model, said filmmakers should be original and promote their identity.
“This industry can sustain livelihoods if taken seriously. I urge other filmmakers to be original.
“We have seen most movies, especially action, that are full of fake concepts that have never happened in Zimbabwe. If you are good you attract sponsors and investments. One thing they don’t know is that Hollywood is like a country which brings and develops the industry. We can do so too if we work together,” he said.
Egbuhuzor, who is in the country for two weeks, said Zimbabwe was full of talent that needs exposure.
“I am very happy to be working with Melgin. He is a good actor and has learnt a lot from him apart from being a co-writer. We are like a family. We wrote the script together and we could tell that this part fitted this character. The budget was tremendous but we thank God that everything went on well according to plan. We now planning for our next movie. We have already started discussing the script and theme,” she said.
She said “Sour Milk” will be shown in all Ster Kinekor Zimbabwe cinemas starting today.
M-net Africa has shown interest in commissioning the movie because of its storyline.
Actors and directors who include Joe Njagu, Edmore Ndlovu, Nothando Nobengula, Charles Mzemba, Edmore Sandifolo, Chikomborero Chatindiara, Jefferson Mserera and Zolile Makeleni among others graced the red carpet event.
