Ndau folk to tell their story on TV

LINE producers from the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) launched reconnaissance and pre-production meetings with producers of Ndau content in Chipinge a fortnight ago.

This is part of broad engagements by the Zimbabwe Digital (ZimDigital) team, which is a grouping of key Government institutions that are spearheading the digitisation programme, especially in terms of content production. Two productions — one named “Inside Ndau Culture” (a 13-episode documentary series) and a soap opera named GAZA that will be directed by renowned director Ben Mahaka — are currently in the pipeline.

In an interview, the producer of the documentary “Inside Ndau Culture”, Mr Joseph Bhasera, said he was excited with progress made so far by the ZimDigital team and BAZ.

“We are very happy with the ZimDigital team for walking the talk,” said Mr Bhasera.

“So far, a team from BAZ is on the ground here in Chipinge preparing to gather content. We anticipate that we will start gathering content anytime this week after finishing the pre-production stage. I am very grateful with the BAZ team and hope when we are in the production stage, we can give the whole Ndau populace in Chipinge and Chimanimani a chance to tell their story.

“I am optimistic that together with my team, including line producers from BAZ, we will produce a master class documentary.”

Mr Bhasera said he was overwhelmed by the response from people in Chipinge, particularly in showing their keenness to tell their own story.

“As a district, we are glad to have Mr Ben Mahaka who hails from this district, as he is one of the best in the film industry,” he said.