Denice Rusoso and the ‘Mayaya’ movie crew go on a nationwide tour

Mayaya: The Seed of Corruption main actor Denice Rusoso, author David Dzatsunga and producer Edward Chombe embarked on a promotional tour to promote the film's DVD release this December.

The tour, which was targeted nationwide managed to reach, Harare, Norton, Chegutu, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru, Chinhoyi, Banket, Concession, Glendale, Bindura, Domboshava and Chitungwiza after having started off in Masvingo where the film was produced. At this time it’s not clear when this tour will be resuming, but we’d assume in January or early February 2015.

This is the first promotional event we’re hearing about for the film's DVD release and expect more to be announced in the coming weeks. Speaking to WezhiraTV the producer had this to say about the tour: ' What necessitated the countrywide tour was the lack of outlets that offered original DVDs. The distribution structure set by the likes of Grammar, Spinalong and ZMC for the music and entertainment industry in general years ago has ceased to exist. It is, however, still of paramount importance for such a structure to exist. Piracy is taking advantage of this loophole and the perpetrators have set up an intrinsic network that we need to counter with one of our own. I am happy to report that this is being successful and soon we will be announcing that our DVDs are not found on the streets but rather in stores countrywide'.
 WezhiraTV accompanied the team and captured the following pictures during the tour.

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Mayaya movie goes regional - The Zimbabwean Mail

ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER -

Producers of popular comedy, Sabhuku Vharazipi, have broken the Regional market with their latest offeringMayaya – The Seed Of Corruption.

The latest production is now being sold within the Sadc region where it is reported to be making bumper sales.

The film was produced by  Edward Chombe and was  premiered at the Ster Kinekor Eastgate in Harare in September .

In the production, Chombe has maintained his comic strength and tackled the cancer of corruption in a light-hearted way.

The movie is about one unscrupulous Mayaya, who is in charge of an equally notorious team of police officers.

Heading the station, he ensures everyone knows who the boss is.

In his underhand dealings, Mayaya teams up with a scandalous man of the cloth.

The production was written by veteran playwright  David Dzatsunga  from Masvingo.

Dzatsunga said the film is an action drama-packed with crime, back-stabbing and boiling emotions, which will have the viewer falling in love all over again with the characters.

The film was directed by Semai Danha.

The cast comprises of veteran and rookie actors who complement each other’s  talents with finesse.

The cast features Dennis Rusoso, who stars as Mayaya, Christopher Kubvedzi as Makodhodho, Kudakwashe Manhopi as Apostle Mazvimbakupa, Grace Matunhu as Prophetess Mazvimbakupa and Tsitsi Magaisa as Mai Makodhodho.

The movie  is also available locally in DVD format.

http://www.thezimmail.co.zw/2014/11/25/mayaya-movie-goes-regional/

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Masvingo’s artistic floodgates open - NEWSDAY

WHEN the comedy Sabhuku Vharazipi came to the capital city, it should have been a massive relief for the Masvingo creative sector that had remained in the doldrums, being overshadowed by other bigger cities.

SILENCE CHARUMBIRA
ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER

It restored faith in a bright people that had hit one brick wall after the other on their way up.
The mischievous Vharazipi and of course the equally notorious Mayaya were for some time permanent features on numerous small screens across the country and beyond.
Now that legendary farcical piece that healed the wounds of the country with laughter appears to have opened floodgates at least according to the proof provided by the latest production from that city.

The same producers have come up with yet another production featuring Mayaya played by Denise Rusoso titled Mayaya: The Seed of Corruption which maintains the reverting Masvingo dialect.
The project that is already available on DVD is a spectacular piece of work that tells typical day-to-day stories of an average Zimbabwean.
Issues to do with the new fashion of miracle healing and association of the so-called clergymen and well known thugs are put in the limelight.
It tells the real Zimbabwean story of a woman, Mai Makodhodho (Tsitsi Magaisa) who is abused left, right and centre all because of fear and lack of knowledge.
The police, led by Mayaya, play a pivotal role in envisaging a crooked system that devours the same elements that it claims to protect; talk of a hen playing the predator by pecking its own eggs much to the envy of a carnivorous eagle that awaits the chick.
The story is on point, despite the fear that many may have to comment on spiritual issues; miracles are stage-managed and alleged juju traits are exposed.
Edward Chombe, the producer of the movie, told NewsDay the writer of the script concentrated on typical vices dogging Zimbabwean society.
“These are issues that our society is battling with every day. The comedy aside, it has happened in Rutenga that a woman went to a police station to report a rape case the officer at the station also raped her. She ended up reporting two rapes,” Chombe said.
“It happened in Beatrice that police officers lost their bribes loot to a small child picking mushrooms. Dumbfounded as they may have been, their superiors whether corrupt or not they should have wondered how a whole police officer could be outwitted by a civilian.”
Chombe said the film was generated from a story that was written long before the famous Sabhuku Vharazipi.
“The writer and director of the movie David Dzatsunga has for a long time been teaching actors in Masvingo and has done several productions of different magnitude. Mayaya: The seed of corruption was actually written before Sabhuku Vharazipi,” he said.
“Dzatsunga has worked with some of the actors for over 20 years while some are fresh and had to be groomed for eight months before the film was shot.”
Among the issues that Chombe noted they battled are piracy which he said even the police conceded they had failed to deal with.
Interestingly, the real story of piracy in Zimbabwe clings with firm grip on politics more than the corrupt human behaviour which is often blamed.
Chombe said some police officers at the licensing inspectorate on the side-lines of their discussions had pointed out they feared for their jobs if they were to deal with piracy objectively.
“One of the officers joked saying he would end up herding goats at his rural home because of the political power that protects people who pirate our stuff. We ended up engaging the pirates in several meetings and all we managed to get was a week to sell before they started pirating the movie,” he said.
“It was difficult because they have mechanisms in place that are “mafia like” and they can control what is sold in areas like Mbare Musika which is the hub of piracy. We did not have an option because coming from Masvingo and trying to beat such people who will be getting your product for free and selling it for $0.25 is impossible when you try to sell it at four times their price.”
Chombe, however, said he was impressed by the behaviour of some conscious individuals that have continuously sought to buy original copies.
He said the movie has in a way triggered self-correctional measures in some people while others say they have been empowered.
He said they are now working on modalities to promote the movie and come up with workable distribution plans to maximise on the movie.

https://www.newsday.co.zw/2014/11/20/masvingos-artistic-floodgates-open/

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Corruption tackled in 'Mayaya' film - ZBC

A Masvingo-based filmmaker, Edward Chombe, the producer of ‘Sabhuku Vharazipi 2' has come up with a new production titled 'Mayaya: The Seed of Corruption'.

The film, which premiered in September at the Ster Kinekor Eastgate in Harare is about one Mayaya, who is in charge of an equally notorious team of police officers.

Heading the station, he ensures everyone knows who the boss is.

In his underhand dealings, Mayaya teams up with a scandalous man of the cloth.

The writer of the play, David Chatsunga said ‘Mayaya: The Seed of Corruption’ is an action drama packed with crime, backstabbing, and boiling emotions which will have the viewer falling in love all over again with the character.

Directed by Semai Danha and produced by Edward Chombe,  ‘Mayaya: The Seed of Corruption’ stars Dennis Rusoso as Mayaya, Christopher Kubvedzi as Makodhodho, Kudakwashe Manhopi as Apostle Mazvimbakupa, Grace Matunhu as Prophetess Mazvimbakupa and Tsitsi Magaisa as Mai Makodhodho.


The movie is now available locally and other countries beyond Zimbabwe’s borders and had its first festival run at the 2014 edition of the Zimbabwe International Film Festival.

 http://www.zbc.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49969:corruption-tackled-in-mayaya-the-seed-of-corruption&catid=38:entertainment&Itemid=69

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'Mayaya: The Seed of Corruption' Sells well on DVD

The new Zimbabwean movie 'Mayaya: The Seed of Corruption' has finally hit the streets. It started its sales tour in Harare and will be spreading out to the rest of the country. The movie sales are not disappointing, according to the producer of the film Edward Chombe, who is accompanying a team of four actors in the sales tour.
'The Zimbabwean market has become a home video oriented market and people are responding positively to our tour which we have dubbed Join them to Beat them', said Chombe.

Piracy remains the hardest hitting cause of low sales by artists as many of them fail to match the speed of product distribution by the black market. Lack of government policy and enforcement on pirate activity has forced filmmakers and musicians to take their product directly to the people.

'To reduce the impact on sales we have been forced to negotiate with known pirate bases in the high density surburb of Mbare, in Harare, where the majority of the black market traders get their products at $1 for 4 CDs and $1 for 3 DVDs,' he added.

Judging by the phone calls received after a few radio programs they featured on during the film's DVD launch, the Zimbabwean populace is not happy with pirate activity.
 One fan berated the government for not caring about the welfare of the entertainment industry by not fully enforcing anti-piracy programs.

 The latest local film will be sold directly to the public throughout the country by the main actor, Denice 'Mayaya' Rusoso and his co-stars accompanied by the film producer.
'This is our Christmas present to Zimbabwe and I urge all our fans to support us by purchasing an original copy from me and my team', Rusoso said.
'If you have already bought a pirated copy, it is well, but when we come to your neighbourhood please get the original copy from us'

Call: 0772478994 or email echombe@gmail.com to get more information about the new Zimbabwean film 'Mayaya: The Seed of Corruption'which was written by David Dzatsunga, directed by Semai T. Danha and produced by Edward Chombe

Denice Rusoso 'Mayaya' Selling DVDs at Machipisa in Harare

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'Mayaya: The Seed of Corruption' movie DVD finally released to the public

After a successful press preview, double premiere event and a festival run,  'Mayaya:The Seed of Corruption' movie is finally being released to the public. The DVD goes on sale in Harare on Friday 7 November and countrywide on Monday 10 November 2014.

The long awaited satire's release was delayed to try and counter the suffocating pirate activity on the DVD and CD market in Zimbabwe which has threatened the existence of the local entertainment industry.

The DVD will be sold to the public by the cast of the movie including the main character Denice Rusoso who plays Mayaya in the 2014 film. The public is urged to support the production by buying original discs from the Cast and Designated selling points. The number to call for orders is 0772 478 994.

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Street Syndicate Pilot Episode on WezhiraTV

Street syndicate is a street action drama on #WezhiraTV based on actual police stories in Masvingo Province. The TV Show is created and directed by Edward Chombe. The cast is made up of real life homeless people.

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16th Edition of ZIFF Closes in Masvingo

‘NGOZI’ short film and Onward Chironda get Juror's special mention.

Blessing Chidzurira Performs at ZIFF Masvingo Closing Night

Masvingo, October 25, 2014: The 16th edition of the Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF) closed with a bang at the specially-constructed Charles Austin Theatre with workshops on film marketing, cinematography and directing. There was a tripple screening in the evening which was followed by a jurors' special mention on short films that were submitted for competition. The jury was led by Ms Porcia Mudavanhu, the ZIFF festival administrator.

The festival’s Best Short Film and Best Direction were bestowed on Masvingo filmmaker Onward Chironda’s 'NGOZI'. A short film on gender based violence.

A host of luminaries and filmmakers were in attendance, including MAFIA director Donovan Takaendesa, Masvingo Drama Circle Artistic director Khetani Michael Banda, screenwriters and jury members Peter Marimi and Charles Munganasa, revered actor Tinashe Nhukarume.

Others who received special mention on Closing Night included Through The Night director Sydney Taivavashe (best cinematographer),  Ngozi star Ngoni Chinovava (best actor) and Moreblessing Kavhika (best actress), Ngozi and Mafia actor Proud Sigauke (best supporting actor). The People's achievement special mention were dedicated to Ms Porcia Mudavanhu and Edward Chombe for their efforts in making the film festival a reality in Masvingo.

The 16th ZIFF (Masvingo) was held October 23-25, in collaboration with WezhiraTV, Masvingo Drama Circle and Nelned Pictures, and featured a diverse selection of films from Zimbabwe and countries around the world.

Filmmakers in a Film Marketing Workshop

Sydney Taivavashe presenting a workshop on Cinematography

About ZIFF:

Established in 1997, the Zimbabwe International Film Festival Trust, ZIFFT has distinguished itself as a significant player in the Zimbabwean and regional film industries. In its first decade of operations it had a sterling performance, annually hosting an impressive film festival that attained international acclaim as one of the continent’s most well organised creative fetes, developing talented film makers and script writers through its unique training opportunities, and contributing to the telling of vibrant, socially and politically relevant African stories through cinema.

ZIFFT appointed a new 12-member Board of Trustees, in March 2013. The new Board comprises the retained Founding Trustees; Rachel Kupara, Dan Jawitz, and Joel Phiri; filmmaker and ZIFTESSA lecturer, Nocks Chatiza; actor, filmmaker and distributor, Stephen Chigorimbo; archivist, researcher, author, producer and lecturer, Joyce Jenje-Makwenda; actor, director, producer, administrator and social justice activist, Daves Guzha; digital production and animation specialist Simbirirai Solomon Maramba; journalist, writer, and development agency executive, Isabella Matambanadzo; artist and arts administrator, Joanna Powell; and actor and development agency executive, John Stewart.

ZIFFT has embarked on a new strategic thrust to re-establish it as the ‘HUB’ of film in Zimbabwe. This will involve both programmatic innovation, and renovation/expansion of physical structures to make ZIFFT the place where Zimbabweans go to find inspiration and entertainment in film. The success of this vision undoubtedly relies on a sound financial base, and so ZIFFT is looking for willing partners to provide this support.

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Introduction To Screenwriting workshop at the Film Festival in Masvingo

Friday 24 October marked the second day of Masvingo's first Film Festival. The day kicked off with a powerful information-packed workshop facilitated by Charles Munganasa who gave the attending filmmakers the basic tools and information needed to establish themselves as screenwriters. The workshop was a part exercise and part lecture, culminating in a live story pitching session. Mr Munganasa, a graduate in the theatrical arts, covered Writing the Screenplay, talked about characters, story structure and planning, followed by Writing a Well Structured Script, a detailed examination of how to write for that first film and how to play with genre.

Just before Lunch, he went on to talk more about Story Structure and Shaping Dialogue – including timelines and plot vs concept driven films.

The course was for writers of all levels and abilities, from seasoned professionals to aspiring amateurs. It covered both basic rules, such as screenplay formatting, as well as more advanced writing techniques.

'Introduction to Screenwriting is not just for screenwriters, however. If you have an interest in storytelling or characters, or how screenplays are read and interpreted, bought and sold, then screenwriting is for you', said Munganasa commenting on the workshop.

'Have you ever had an idea for a movie? Learn the basic principles of writing screenplays and demonstrate the powerful storytelling tools used by the professionals to come up with a blockbuster'

After Lunch, three local short films were screened for competition. Two schools graced the afternoon screenings. The movie 'Pied Piper' from India capped the evening as the closing film for the day. 

The film festival resumes Saturday 25 October 2014 at The Charles Austin Theatre at 10am.

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Opening Night a Success for the Film Festival in Masvingo

About 160 people turned out for the opening night of the 16th annual Zimbabwe International Film Festival, which screens films from Zimbabwe and around the world. The festival continues through Saturday with the same theme - 'The Universal African'.

“It’s a great way to reach out to a broader community and bring visibility to the filmmaking community here,” said Edward Chombe, co-ordinator of the Masvingo version of the film festival. “It’s a very positive, family-friendly event, and I think that’s important.”

The opening film was “Dust and fortunes,” which was received with a standing ovation by the crowd in attendance.

"This is the first ever film festival to be held in Masvingo in partnership with ZIFFT".

The Charles Austin Theatre served as opening night’s venue, and the ambiance was bolstered by the servings of cocktails in their Stage-Coach bar.

Friday’s event will be at the same venue with the same theme. Seven short films will be screened for competition: “Ngozi”, "Not yet titld" "Street Syndicate", "Mafia", "The Second sex", "The Salon" and “Hwindi,” the latter is a comedy loosely based on the life and times of a combi conductor.

“I’m really excited about this festival,” said Mike Banda, artistic director of Masvingo Drama Circle which runs the Charles Austin Theatre. “It’s a really important event that reflects activity in Masvingo.”

“However, our local filmmakers come out and fight the good fight for a better film environment in Zimbabwe and when they’re tired they end up having to go back to the drawing board and quietly resume other jobs,” he said. “That’s something we need to look at locally and on a broader level.”

Keeping with the theme, there will also be a Q&A session with award nominated director, Sydney Taivavashe.

“It’s just an awesome film festival lineup, not to be missed,” said Chombe.

The festival will conclude on Saturday 25 October 2014. Local and international films will be screened (“Sour Milk,” “Kaun Kitney”, “Ningen” among others) followed by the closing night film, “Nairobi half life,” about a young, aspiring actor from upcountry Kenya who dreams of becoming a success in the big city. In pursuit of this and to the chagrin of his brother and parents, he makes his way to Nairobi: the city of opportunity.

“I’m glad that we can bring these films,” said Chombe. “If it weren’t for this festival, these films would not be seen in Masvingo.”

He noted that the large turnout was a good sign that the film festival will continue to grow and gain support, and he hopes that next year they’ll be able to add more events or even bring directors to Masvingo to speak about their films.

“We’ll see how it goes,” he said.

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Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF) Comes to Masvingo

 Those mourning the end of the Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF) in Harare take heart in the news that the festival continues in Masvingo this week.

Kicking off on Thursday 23 October, it runs until Saturday 25 October with over 20 films showcasing the best in Zimbabwe and  international cinema past and present.

Over the past years the ZIFF has established itself as a must-see event not just for fans of world cinema but for movie lovers in general, with a host of talent on hand to discuss the importance of the country’s cinema.

Excitingly diverse, the range can be seen in the opening and closing gala movies. Opening the festival is the Masvingo premiere of Mosco Kamwendo’s documentary masterpiece, 'Camarada Presidente'. It is about the controversial life and death of Samora Moises Machel – a village boy who rises to become a daring guerrilla strategist and liberator. The film has won several international awards, fans of smart well-cut documentaries will be in their element over 89 nerve-shredding minutes.

Closing the festival is Masvingo premiere of the delightful, award winning Zimbabwe film 'Dust and Fortunes'. An ambitious young disabled man is set to become a successful manager of a football team, the movie demonstrates the versatility of Zimbabwean cinema, flitting between genres and shifting gears in surprising and hilarious ways.

Here is a sneak peak on ZIFF Masvingo : Chrissy (Barbados), Camarada Presidente (UK/Zim), Pied Piper (India), Ningen (Japan), Kaun Kitney (India), Nairobi half life (Kenya), Dust and Fortunes(Zim), Sour Milk (Zim), Masanga Bodo (Zim), My dream(Zim), Nhamo (Zim), Flora and Dambudzo (UK/Zim), Zambezia (SA), Genesis Elements (Zim), Keys-Money(SA).Riveting Kenyan drama Nairobi Half Life, which also picked up several awards, is a gem waiting to be discovered, and recent Flora and Dambudzo is a must for fans of Dambudzo Marechera or classic love stories.

Nigel Munyati, executive director of ZIFF, will be in town to present three awards for best short film, best actor, best actress and best director in the competition category of ZIFF Masvingo. The winners will also be holding a Q&A to discuss their fascinating careers.

The Zimbabwe International Film Festival Masvingo edition will also be hosting documentaries, rare classics from around the world and much more. The main venue for opening and closing films will the The Charles Austin Theatre. Thursday 23 October screening of Camarada Presidente will commence at 1800hrs.

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'Mayaya:The Seed of Corruption' Movie Premiere a Success; Local Minister Hon. Bhasikiti pledges support

After a successful Kickstarter campaign, "Mayaya: The Seed of Corruption" Movie is finally done, and has recently premiered at SterKinekor, Eastgate in Harare and at The Charles Austin Theatre in Masvingo; to celebrate the success of the movie that fans have been dying to watch since the beginning of 2014, the cast took group selfies of their tour.
The movie picks up the story with Mayaya (Denice Rusoso) as a police inspector at a local charge office. His position of power allows him to protect a bogus pastor, Apostle Mazvimbakumba (Kudakwashe Manhopi), who has a weakness for women.
Among the cast members in the movie is Makodhodho (Christopher Kubvedzi) aka Jojola from Sabhuku Vharazipi 2.  New characters have also been added, including Tsitsi Magaisa and Grace Matunhu who appear as Mai Makhodho and Prophetess Mazvimbakupa respectively. There are cameos from various actors and actresses in the new film. 

The Local Minister of State Hon. K. Bhasikiti who officiated the event in Masvingo, pledged his support for the film industry in Masvingo. Speaking at the Charles Austin theatre on Saturday night the minister acknowledged the hard work put in by filmmakers whose passion was driving them to do movies even at zero budget. 'We should not develop a culture of always expecting to be sponsored before we have proved our worth. I would have done myself a disservice had I failed to attend the premiere of such a beautiful movie. It looks like Zimbabwe film and television is getting closer to have films that will also feature on channels like Movie magic. Tonight has been a wonderful night seeing my sons and daughters doing such a splendid performance'

People who attended the Harare premiere were also left wanting more. The film is a mixture of comedy, drama and action.

"Mayaya: The Seed pf Corruption" Movie will soon be released on DVD at a date yet to be announced

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