Meet the young Qiniso cast

QINISO, the Lenni Mdawini Sibanda written and directed film has made a buzz in the local media and social media alike in the past few weeks.

What makes this film, which will be premiered this Saturday, particularly interesting for locals is the fact that it is a Bulawayo production. It has been long said that the city is the hub of artistic aptitude and this film, produced, directed and acted on by locals seems to water the mouths of many.

Twitter is awash with posts on people's anticipatory chirps for the film while Facebook has turned to be a registry book to the expectancy - which is a good thing for local arts.

Sunday Leisure was interested in knowing these young people who are part of the film to hear more about their experiences before it premieres.

"The fact that it's an all-Bulawayo cast and crew sets this film apart. I believe it's been a while since we have had something 100 percent Bulawayo. The storyline is also another thing that sets it apart. It's complex but it's still easy to follow. It was an interesting thing to be a part of this film especially because my character was difficult to play as I am nothing compared to it in real life," said Lady Tshawe, who plays Zanele in the film.

Up-and-coming writer and actor, Leroy Mthulisi Ndlovu, who plays Detective Nsingo in the motion picture, said the film was just different from anything else people had ever seen.

"Working on Qiniso was life-changing. I have always been a film enthusiast and for a long time I wondered why Bulawayo wasn't leading the industry with all the talent that we have here. I learnt that film is about passion while working with Lenni and the crew - it's all about how far you are willing to go to make it happen," he said.

"I feel the movie reflects how we are as a society - very conservative in public but something else behind closed doors. I feel Qiniso is different from other locally produced films because it goes against the conservative nature we are used to," added Anne Maliki.

Fashion geek and entrepreneur, Gilmore Tee, who plays Humphrey Kumalo, said he was excited to see the new breed taking over local industry.

"I admire the fact that young Zimbabwean achievers and creatives came together to be part of this production. It has a different, unique and fresh vibe to it which is told through our new generation.

"The character I play is a gentleman who is pushy and wants things to be achieved at his own time. He is a well-educated man who has a lot of international exposure. I have a lot of characteristics that I admire in him - his ambitious being and the fact that he wants to see things done and his exposure - those I share with him. It was an interesting role to match as it required a little bit of some cocky attitude and just a rudely outspoken individual. I am well spoken, but I had to find my very rude inner being to play it. It was great being part of the film, which is my first acting gig," he said.

Hanne Nkalanga, who plays Sigidi in the film, did well in highlighting the need for traditional consultation even in an urban set-up.

"It's a different film and the picture is superb and that on its own sets it apart for me," he said.

Lead actress, Bokani Nleya praised the teamwork that the film encouraged.

"The cast comprises mostly people that are independent brands. People who understand how important it is to be focused and be committed in production - the end result being a quality product. So this film is teamwork made to perfection," she said.

Thorne, who plays as Sam the taxi driver, noted how the stereotypical scenario was about men abusing women in relationships, yet this film renders that perception deficient - women do abuse men too. He also elaborated on how unique the script was.

"The script itself is a work of art in the sense that it leaves the conclusion uncertain - the viewers will have to conclude for themselves," he revealed.

Lenni Mdawini Sibanda, who wrote and directed the play, said:

"My experience working on this film was enlightening and fulfilling. I learnt how good production can save a lot of time and money. As a director I took time to listen to the actors and utilise their strengths so that we get good performances. Working with talent like Hanne Nkalanga got me in touch with my own African heritage.

"This film piece is very unique as we utilised cinemarique and storytelling techniques that drive intellectual stimulation within the audience and even the members of the cast. A non linear approach to the story gives a chance for the audience to delve deep into the characters and hopefully identify with them. Needless to say, we made a film that Zimbabweans have been yearning for, a film that respects the intelligence of the audience without being too generic or predictable," he noted.

Qiniso premieres this Saturday at Rainbow Cinema 2. The cinematography was done by talented Ernest Mackina, who has established himself as a top-notch artiste.

The story is about a journalist who investigates the death of a Bulawayo lawyer who is murdered by someone close to him. His wife, the wife's cousin and his younger brother have their own versions of what happened. Fastened together with the investigating detective's version and Sigidi's inyanga, an a la carte menu of drama awaits the audience.