THE much anticipated Zimbabwean movie Chinhoyi 7 is expected to premiere in February 2015.
A brainchild of Canadian-based Moses Matanda, the movie focuses on the historic Chinhoyi battle of 1966 which saw seven freedom fighters igniting the Second Chimurenga.
A movie not just for entertainment, Chinhoyi 7 takes anyone who dares to watch back to the fundamental story of Zimbabwean history.
It focuses on the liberation struggle and the thousands of comrades who died in order to liberate Zimbabweans from the oppression of the Rhodesian government.
The film, a joint venture between the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services and Honde Valley Television based in Canada brings back memories of the bitter relations between the black majority and Rhodesians.
In an interview with Patriot Arts, the director and main actor of Chinhoyi 7 Moses Matanda said the production of the movie has not been easy.
He said through the movie, they took time to tell the Zimbabwean story while appreciating the role of war veterans in the liberation struggle.
“We need to honour and respect our war veterans,” Matanda said.
“Including pre-production, we have been working on this movie for over a year and what is left now is post-production and we hope to premiere by February 21 2015.
Ironically, February 21 is President Robert Mugabe’s birthday.
Matanda said he focused on the Chinhoyi battle 34 years after independence because it was a crucial battle that not only showed the valour of freedom fighters, but their determination to see a liberated Zimbabwe.
Buried at the Mashonaland West Provincial Heroes Acre, the seven freedom fighters who sparked the Second Chimurenga are David Guzuzu, Arthur Maramba, Christopher Chatambudza, Simon Chingozha Nyandoro, Godfrey Manyerenyere, Godwin Dube and Chubby Savanhu.
The Chinhoyi battle, said Matanda, was a prelude to the battles that later followed and displayed not only the zeal among the guerrillas, but their intelligent strategy that saw the introduction of guerrilla warfare.
“We need to applaud the seven guerrillas for sacrificing their lives to ensure the success of the war and I say we won the battle of Chinhoyi through death, hence it is a battle that should be never be forgotten,” he said.
The Canadian- based filmmaker who has been in the country working tirelessly on the movie said there were shortcomings in the film industry that needed to be addressed.
He said it was unfortunate that the government was not availing funds for the production of films that define who we are and promote our culture.
“The film industry has been neglected and if nothing is done in the next few months, the industry will be extinct,” said Matanda.
Matanda said it was imperative for the Government to chip in by helping graduates from film schools such as the Zimbabwe Film and Television School of Southern Africa (ZIFTESSA).
“Equipping someone with knowledge only without start-up capital is as good as praying for rains without inputs,” he said.
“What happens to these students after graduation?
“Our Government needs to develop an environment that is conducive enough to allow creativity by giving tax rebates to companies willing to fund the film industry in our country.”
Matanda said Chinhoyi 7 must be a game changer in the local film industry.
Notable local actors to feature in the movie include gospel singer Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, author, poet and actor Albert Nyathi and Eddie Sandifolo better known as Chabvonga in Tiriparwendo among others.
International actors are Julian Shaw who is known for directing films such as The Observer (2012), Clearing the Air (2009) and The Speaker (2014) and Aneka Onnor, both from Britain.
Canadian-based Cynthia Stone, Gregory Brown and Cameron Murton are also part of the crew.