By A Correspondent| The wait for the eagerly anticipated Zimbabwean movie, The Letter is over as the potential blockbuster makes its online premiere to a global audience tonight on www.honayi.com.
The Daves Guzha and Joe Njagu collaborated film has created excitement and suspense with audiences after releasing a series of teasers in the build up to the premiere. The film is being distributed online by international media firm CMG International Group to bring the film to a global audience.
The movie will be available to buy from South Africa, USA, UK and Canada and beyond at various prices. Award-winning director Joe Njagu expressed his excitement at the movie’s release and urged audiences to purchase and support the movie as it touches everyday life.
“We are excited to bring an excellent production that tells the story of the everyday man and I urge everyone to purchase a copy and enjoy home grown content whilst supporting the local film community”, Njagu said.
“It is important for the diaspora also enjoy these stories from home and the diaspora audience also plays a big role in growing the Zimbabwean film community and marketing our creativity as a country out there until we become a booming industry.”
Njagu’s sentiments were also echoed by CMG International Director Conrad Mwanza as being key to reviving the film industry in Zimbabwe.
“We are glad to partner with a product that is authentically Zimbabwean. The film industry needs the support of the people and the success of The Letter movie has bigger implications that go beyond employment for creatives and technical crew but also the exporting of Zimbabwean talent. As a country we can also export our creativity which is in abundance not just minerals and raw materials.” He said.
The Letter is Njagu and Guzha’s first feature film together and the award-winning duo worked onthe movie which is inspired by true events together with production company Media Matrix and the Zimpapers group’s Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN).
The story follows the anguish and subsequent actions of the lead character Simon who is dismissed from his job at a media company a few days before his retirement following a government labour ruling that gave employers the power to fire workers without notice and benefits.
The sacking disturbs Simon’s retirement plans and faced with an uncertain future, he goes on a vengeful rampage against his former paymasters as he seeks to protect and provide for his family whist trying to contain his shattering world. The film is inspired by the consequences of the actual government labour ruling in 2015 which caused mayhem in the country when thousands of people got summarily dismissed from work. The film is masterfully shot and delivered well by an ensemble cast which features Emmanuel Mbirimi as Simon and complimented by the supporting talents of seasoned actors Sarah Mpofu, Jefferson Mserera, Admire Kuzhangaira and Zambian star Henry B.J Phiri.
Njagu and Guzha have a combined two decades of experience between them and have won numerous international awards for their respective film and theatre productions such as Lobola, The Gentleman, Waiters and Sinners among others.