BY MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
Bulawayo’s creative industry is set for a new addition as filmmaker and award-winning scriptwriter Allen Ndlovu, popularly known as Mathunywa’vume, prepares to launch LUMAE TIDE, an annual summer talent showcase aimed at providing a platform for emerging artists while creating opportunities within the local film industry.
The initiative is being developed under The Gaffer Talent Show Media, in collaboration with IGugulethu Film Pictures, and seeks to bring together talented young people while using entertainment as a vehicle for motivation, skills development and employment creation.
According to Ndlovu, the project is driven by a desire to see local creatives recognised for their abilities while contributing to the growth of Zimbabwe’s film and entertainment sector.
“We are looking forward to more projects in the filming industry. We wish to be recognised by our people. With LUMAE TIDE, we want to give artists a platform and create jobs as time goes on,” Ndlovu said.
The annual showcase forms part of a broader creative drive by the team, which is also working on a new film production titled The Black Mafias.
The film is expected to provide another platform for local actors, filmmakers and other creatives while contributing to the development of Zimbabwean storytelling and locally produced screen content.
Ndlovu is serving as the scriptwriter and producer, with Melusi Mlalazi assisting with the project. The productions are being filmed in partnership with Gugulethu Films, headed by Malibongwe Tshuma.
The team says the collaboration is central to its efforts to produce more films and establish a sustainable creative platform for local talent.
“Sisebenzisana le IGugulethu Film Pictures eyiyo esiqophela ama films ethu, uphathi wayo ngu Malibongwe Tshuma,” the team said, highlighting the role of Gugulethu Film Pictures in bringing their productions to the screen.
Beyond entertainment, the organisers believe that initiatives such as LUMAE TIDE can contribute to addressing some of the challenges faced by young people in the creative sector, particularly the limited availability of platforms and income-generating opportunities.
By making LUMAE TIDE an annual summer event, the organisers hope to establish a recognisable platform where emerging talent can be discovered, audiences can experience local entertainment, and creatives can find opportunities to participate in the film and performing arts industries.
The launch of LUMAE TIDE, together with the development of The Black Mafias, marks another step in Mathunywa’vume’s efforts to build a stronger presence for locally produced film and talent.
As Zimbabwe’s creative sector continues to search for sustainable opportunities for artists and filmmakers, projects that combine entertainment with talent development and job creation could play an important role in shaping the future of the industry.
