ACTOR BUILDS FILM SCHOOL IN MUTOKO
ASPIRING actors have been given an opportunity to learn the tricks of their trade after the establishment of a film school, Roots Academy.
Actor and filmmaker, Tendai Maduwa, is behind the project to try and help local actors.
“We are starting with Form Ones in 2025, which we are enrolling this year.
“Then, there is a Film School Programme, which is a one-year certificate, and it teaches the whole module on film business practically rather than theoretically.
“Students get to learn, as they make films, from idea conceptualisation to distribution of final products,” said Maduwa.
He added:
“I have watched talented actors destroying their dreams because there were no opportunities available for them.
“I am giving them a reason to dream again. “I will be helping them one after another until they get their acting dreams where they should be.
“The other important factor is simply teaching everyone about ownership.”
Maduwa said they have also created employment.
“Opportunities are there not just for filmmakers but everyone. We have employed six full-time staff members so far, including a security officer, who has been working since June last year.
“We have up to 10 sub-contracted workers from the very same community.
“We will have established local, regional and international filmmakers coming to be special lecturers. Right now, many people, not just in Zimbabwe but globally, are reading news about this initiative and they will be interested to learn more about Mutoko.
“It’s not always in major cities where life is going on.”
He added:
“We will have 15 students every year on full scholarship. We intentionally chose that number because we want to make sure we invest our all in them and everyone should be an established film practitioner with success stories when they finish their programme.
“We will have different lecturers, who are all established, we will intentionally focus on recycling 99 percent of local lecturers because we have experienced and knowledgeable film practitioners in Zimbabwe.”