Film-maker brings Hollywood stars to Zim

Trust Khosa

TOP film-maker, Nkosilathi Khumalo, is working on a movie meant to showcase Zimbabwe ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States of America.

The US-based filmmaker is working with Terry Benedict on this ground-breaking project costing around US$20 million.

Doug Zinke is the executive producer.

Outlining their vision, Khumalo, who is back home on vacation, said the movie was set to promote and highlight Zimbabweโ€™s culture and itโ€™s potential.

โ€œAfter years of meticulous development, an inspirational film set to highlight the beauty and resilience of Zimbabwe is finally green-lit.

โ€œThe title will be revealed on January 1, 2025, but its message is clear: Zimbabwe is a nation rich in stories, culture, and potential.

โ€œThe film, inspired by a vision to showcase the true essence of Zimbabwe, emphasises the importance of national pride and unity, resonating with President Mnangagwaโ€™s rallying call, โ€˜Nyika inovakwa nevene vayoโ€™.

โ€œThis powerful phrase encourages all Zimbabweans to contribute to nation-building, aligning perfectly with the countryโ€™s 2030 vision,โ€ said Khumalo.

Khumalo, who has been in the game for years, said the movie was a major milestone to come over the years.

โ€œThe film boasts of a budget of approximately $20 million, marking a historic moment for the Zimbabwean film industry.

โ€œThe last major motion picture filmed in Zimbabwe was the acclaimed โ€˜โ€˜Cry Freedomโ€™โ€™.

โ€œThe production team is excited to engage local talent, aiming to cast around 150 local support actors and internationally recognised stars.โ€

He said Benedict was committed towards making this project a resounding success.

โ€œThe Oscar-winning producer Terry Benedict, behind this project, has made 20 plus trips to Zimbabwe in the last seven years, with this final visit serving as a critical turning point for the filmโ€™s future.

โ€œOur story deserves to be told on Zimbabwean soil, the breath-taking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich soccer heritage provide the ideal backdrop for this authentic Zimbabwean narrative,โ€ stated the producer.

Benedict is the award-winning producer of โ€˜Hacksaw Ridgeโ€™ directed by Mel Gibson.

He has worked with renowned scriptwriter Richard Wenk, known for blockbusters like โ€˜โ€˜The Equalizerโ€™โ€™, โ€˜โ€˜Jack Reacherโ€™โ€™, โ€˜โ€˜Magnificent Sevenโ€™โ€™, โ€˜โ€˜Expendablesโ€™โ€™, and โ€˜โ€˜The Mechanicโ€™โ€™.

The same team is expected to work together on this Zimbabwean movie.

โ€œTogether, they aim to craft a story that inspires audiences globally, showcasing Zimbabweโ€™s beauty and its love for the game.

โ€œThe filmโ€™s plot revolves around a true story of a Zimbabwean sports team overcoming adversity, uniting their community, and achieving greatness.

โ€œFilming will take place across various stunning locations in Zimbabwe, with pre-production set for six weeks, production for twelve weeks, and post-production for twenty weeks.

โ€œThe release date will align with the FIFA World Cup in the USA, amplifying its visibility to hundreds of millions of viewers.โ€

He urged various stakeholders to rally behind the production team and put Zimbabwe on the world map.

โ€œThe filmmakers are determined to help kick-start the Zimbabwean film industry in the international film arena.

โ€œNow is the time for decisive support and collaboration to ensure we donโ€™t miss this chance to showcase our nationโ€™s potential and stories to the world,โ€ added Khumalo.

The film-maker is determined to market Zimbabwe globally through this art form.

Banking on Khumaloโ€™s experience in the film industry spanning several years, Zimbabweโ€™s success and potential will be highlighted on a global scale.

The fact that the film will have its premiรจre in the US and Zimbabwe is a plus for the local film enthusiasts.

He also believes in producing high-quality content that resonates with African audiences.

Khumalo has collaborated with many international filmmakers, making him one of the experts in film-making.

His vision is to bridge cultural gaps and promote Zimbabwean storytelling globally through film-making.

Khumalo, who is passionate about telling African stories, showcasing Zimbabweโ€™s culture, and promoting positive representation in the global film industry, is set to empower some players in the industry with their production.

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