Kiki offered own house as 'Ian Smith Mansion'

Late modelling legend Kiki Divaris, born Vassiliki Babaletakis Divaris, has been honoured for her remarkable contribution to the upcoming feature film Chinhoyi 7 - a production that chronicles the historic Battle of Chinhoyi (1966), which sparked Zimbabwe's liberation war.

The film, directed by Canadian-based Zimbabwean filmmaker Moses Matanda, has been completed and is awaiting release. Matanda revealed that Divaris played an instrumental role in the movie's production, offering her Alexandra Park home in Harare to serve as the mansion of former Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Douglas Smith.

"Cash is not the only form of support one can extend to assist the growth of our struggling film industry, but location is very important," Matanda said.
"For a month, Kiki Divaris housed over 50 actors and even cooked for them. She offered her entire home — including her bedroom — to accommodate both local and international cast members. Her generosity deserves to be honoured, which is why I dedicated Chinhoyi 7 to her."

Though Divaris does not appear in the film, her name will feature in the credits among those who made key contributions to the project.

Matanda expressed sadness that Divaris, who passed away in 2015, would not witness the movie's release.

"She once told me that she wanted to watch Chinhoyi 7 seated next to President Robert Mugabe because of his role in the liberation struggle," he recalled.

Divaris was declared a liberation war heroine by the Zimbabwean government and was buried at Pioneer Cemetery in Harare with State honours.

Addressing the long delay in releasing Chinhoyi 7, Matanda said it was due to the desire to ensure top production quality.

"Mastery is not a day's job. We wanted to tell the liberation story from a Zimbabwean perspective and produce a world-class film that challenges Western misrepresentations," he said.

The two-hour film features a blend of local and international talent, including Julian Shaw (UK), Cynthia Stone (Canada), Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, who plays Sarudzai the housemaid, Albert Nyathi as Joshua Nkomo, and Edmore Sandiforo (Chabvonga from Tiriparwendo).

Filming took place across scenic Zimbabwean locations such as Domboshava, Victoria Falls, and Mutarazi Falls, using state-of-the-art technology to authentically capture the spirit and geography of the liberation struggle.

Matanda said he hopes the film will not only educate audiences about Zimbabwe's history but also promote the country as a safe and attractive tourist destination.