Sibongile Ndiweni, Sunday Life Reporter
BULAWAYO film producer Prosper Maregere’s years of dedication are finally set to bear fruit, with the debut of Izitha, his first feature film, which is set to be premiered on 27 May at Ster Kinekor in Bulawayo.
The action-packed movie, which is set mainly in Bulawayo’s Pumula north suburb, Amhlophe High School and Kings and queens funeral service, focuses on people in the city’s western neighbourhoods by highlighting the many coping mechanisms they develop, as well as how crime, the consumption and distribution of drugs can devastate a community.
In an interview with Sunday Life, the young producer said that seeing his peers abusing drugs as a way of escaping from their problems inspired him to create a movie to demonstrate that there were other means of coping with life’s struggles.
Maregere said despite the fact that financial constraints made it difficult for him to complete the film’s production, he worked diligently with fellow producer Blessing Ntambalika to make sure it was a success.
“Being imaginative and having a strong sense of drive are both essential qualities for producers who want to create outstanding entertainment that keeps audiences on their toes. Our primary objective in creating Izitha was to produce the best entertainment that was distinct from what our country’s entertainment sector has often provided. But education and a compelling goal should accompany amusement above all else”, he said.
Maregere is a 22-year-old producer who believes that at some point the legends in the arts industry also started small and for him to make a name for himself, he has to set a foundation at an early age because there is never the right time set for one to present their hard work. Maregere is not only a producer and an actor but also the director of Ekasi home of light, a group based in Pumula North which specialises in performing arts.
“As a young and energetic youth, I feel I’m playing my part in contributing to the community and the city I come from. Last year I did a lot of tours to high schools, educating them about drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence and sexual abuse, amongst others. This also came as a fundraising for the project Izitha”, he added.