Dirwayi’s film to promote peace

LOCAL filmmaker and producer Blessing Dirwayi said her forthcoming film Tozeza Baba, expected to premiere in July, sought to promote peaceful societies.

The film, scripted by Blessing Goko, produced by Dirwayi and directed by Oscar Lwalwe, is centred on a mother and her children who live unhappily because the father physically abuses them.

In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, Dirwayi said the film’s storyline looked at a social challenge that has not yet been completely addressed.

“When Goko came with the storyline to me, I liked it because it addresses a pertinent social issue.

“Abuse of women and children is still prevalent and recently there were reports of increased cases of abuse during the COVID-19-induced lockdown,” she said.

“The film Tozeza Baba is inspired by socio-economic challenges experienced in the country around 2009.

“It also highlights the abuse of women and children’s rights as well as reflecting on the lives of people with epilepsy.”

Dirwayi said if everything goes according to script, the film’s trailer will be released a month before its premiere.

“We will work hard to ensure that we come up with a production that not only captivates, but is also educative. We hope that this will help to reduce cases of abuse against women and foster good relations among family members,” she said.

In the film, Mufaro tries to unite his family with innovative ideas, he works hard to buy a mobile phone that has internet access to market his father (Joseph)’s products.

Suddenly, the father develops a seizure disorder. The cost of living worsens as the mother (Muchaala) becomes the sole breadwinner.

Despite being epileptic, Joseph remains an abusive husband.

He becomes worse as he feels inferior to his wife.

The film also portrays the abuse of the girl child — represented by Raviro and played by Raviro Mugauri — a very loving and caring lady who nurses her bruised mother Muchaala and wipes away her tears.

Joseph Ngorima is played by Mapfumo Katsaya, Muchaala (Tisha Chigada) and Mufaro (Takudzwa Karumbwana).