Ziyanda the Movie auditions on this weekend in Bulawayo

by Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Reporter 

THIS weekend presents itself an opportunity for local creatives in trying their chances to feature in an upcoming film production, Ziyanda the Movie.

A work of Ramatsatsi Productions, the auditions will be held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on tomorrow and Sunday from 9am.

The movie's director, Bonginhlanhla “Mr B” Ncube is expected to fly into the country this afternoon alongside experienced South African performance coach, actor and director, Godfrey Thobejane.

They will be in the country for a week during which they will also scout for locations.

Ziyanda The Movie executive producer and Ramatsatsi Productions managing director Dumisani Nkomo said the movie will have a cast of 123 actors and extras and 34 crew members who will also be selected by the production house under the supervision of Mr B and Thobejane.

“Mr B and Thobejane will be on the lookout for acting talents for the nine major roles and the supporting cast. Roles up for grabs include the title role of Ziyanda, a young lady who must overcome her fears and bring down an organised, ruthless and formidable human trafficking syndicate in order to rescue her sister, Andiswa.

“Other roles up for grabs are that of Detective Collins (white/coloured female supporting protagonist), Tafi (black male supporting antagonist), Ricky (black male supporting antagonist), Jenny (black female supporting protagonist), Gladys (black female supporting protagonist), Detective Joey (black male supporting protagonist), and John (black male supporting protagonist),” said Nkomo's

The South Africa-based Zimbabwean-born multi award-winning film director and producer, Mr B has directed and/or produced Colours (2018), Safe Bet (2016) which garnered six international awards and earned him special recognition from California State Assembly.

His experience spans a good 15 years in film making.

32-year-old Thobejane brings with him a wealth of experience having worked in South African television and theatre since 2004 appearing on productions such as Rhythm City (eTV, 2012), Generations (SABC 1, 2010), Safe Bet (Cinema release, 2016), 48 (Mzansi Magic, 2004), Abomzala (SABC 2, 2017) and Coloura TV series (Botswana TV).

He has also acted and/or directed theatre productions namely Amandla the Musical (Actor, 2016/2017), Protest (Director, 2016), Next Sunday (Director, 2012), and Makoti the Musical (Writer/Director).

Thobejane will also be providing performance coaching to as many local actors as possible as part of Ramatsatsi Productions' efforts for skills development in the film industry.

Apart from entertainment and human trafficking awareness, the movie is expected to promote film tourism, skills development, domestic economic development and audience development aimed at cultivating a cinema culture in the country.

@mthabisi_mthire