Sci- movie revives Zim cultural heritage

A LOCAL lm production house, Video Flight Films Team, is working on the nal stages of the production of one of the country’s epic SciFi lms titled Nehoreka: Son of the Soil, which premiers in Harare on May 11.

e movie seeks to captivate the younger generation with the thrilling storyline, but reconnecting it with cultural roots.

It delves into a captivating narrative where a legendary warrior, imbued with the power of the universe, mysteriously disappears when his nation needs him most.

As years pass by, the warrior’s tale transforms into mere folktales, gradually fading from the collective memory of the people.

However, a prophecy emerges, foretelling the warrior’s triumphant return, o ering a glimmer of hope to a nation teetering on the brink of extinction.

“We wanted to create a sci- lm that not only appeals to the younger generation, but also pays homage to our rich cultural heritage,” says lm director Forward Masaamha.

“Our aim was to bridge the gap between generations, allowing both the youth and the elders to nd something meaningful in the lm."

By infusing the story with elements of their own country’s culture, the lmmakers have successfully crafted a ctional character, Nehoreka, inspired by the renowned

gure Pfumo Renyika, who played a pivotal role in their early civilisation.

e connection to their cultural roots adds depth and authenticity to the character, resonating with the audience on a deeper level.

e use of visual e ects (VFX) in the lm played a signi cant role in bringing the story to life.

e team, led by Masaamha, acknowledges that the availability of VFX technology has contributed immensely to the overall impact of the

lm, allowing them to create visually stunning scenes and visuals that enhance the storytelling experience.

Undoubtedly, the production of Nehoreka: Son of the Soil was a learning and experimental process for the entire team, including the producers and cast.

Despite limitations in resources and scienti c accuracy, the team worked together seamlessly, harmonising their e orts to produce an extraordinary masterpiece.

“We love to challenge ourselves and strive for continuous improvement,” Masaamha said.

“e pre-production stage can be hectic, but it fuels our determination to deliver a better lm with each endeavour.”

In their pursuit of excellence, the lmmakers utilised open-source software, Blender, known for its speed and accessibility.

e premier will be at the Nicoz Diamond building along Samora Machel Avenue in Harare.

Winston Juawo wrote the lm and Masaamha led the production.