Ngoda Ster-Kinekor Premiere Attracts Large Numbers
The premiere of “Ngoda”, a film inspired by Zimbabwe’s illegal diamond mining, took place last Friday night at the Ster-Kinekor Sam Levy cinema in Harare.
The event drew top filmmakers, producers, actors, celebrities, and film lovers to witness the red-carpet affair.
“Ngoda” is an hour-and-a-half-long thriller entirely shot in Zimbabwe at popular sites such as Dzimbanhete run by Chiko Chazunguza, who also features in the production.
Veteran filmmaker Joe Njagu and award-winning actor Eddie Sandifolo, who have collaborated for over a decade on other productions, directed the film.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, Sandifolo expressed his belief in Zimbabwe’s talent and his desire to work behind the scenes to give it a platform to grow.
Njagu said that he hoped there would be a continuation of the movie, and he stressed the importance of teamwork in growing the local film sector into a viable commercial industry.
The production of “Ngoda” was funded privately by individuals using an investment model. It was not sponsored, to ensure that the film funds itself.
The film’s fictional story is set in 2006 amid the diamond mining rush and is inspired by events that have happened in Zimbabwe through research and visiting the mining areas.
“Ngoda” won the best film award at the recently held National Arts Merit Awards and has been well-endorsed by those who have watched it.
Many expressed the hope that producers would do more such films and establish a film industry in Zimbabwe.
At the premiere, guests had the opportunity to meet the film’s cast, including Farai Chigudu, Elijah Madzikatire, Taurai Kawara, Charmaine Mujeri and Caroline Mashingaidze-Zimbizi.
The film’s synopsis centers on greed, betrayal, and disloyalty leading to fatal consequences in this dramatic thriller.
The Toropito brothers must raise enough money to buy back their land, forcing them into the illegal diamond mining world.
They work for a ruthless diamond dealer who does not pay them well.
Tindo, the eldest of the brothers, accidentally finds a big diamond and decides to hide it from everyone, including his brothers and wife.
The diamond is stolen from Tindo, and the hunt for the diamond is on, but how do you find something that has already been stolen?
Njagu also confirmed that the film would be screened worldwide.
