Zim film producers challenged

Standard Style
Lack of professionalism and too many demands have prompted award-winning director Melgin Tafirenyika to take lead roles in his own productions.

Lack of professionalism and too many demands have prompted award-winning director Melgin Tafirenyika to take lead roles in his own productions.

By Kennedy Nyavaya

Tafirenyika, who last year moved back home from South Africa where he struck fruitful tides, is set to officially premiere two more movies this August.

Melgin Tafirenyika
Melgin Tafirenyika
Speaking to The Standard Style last week, the multi-talented former model said he took advantage of his acting talent to avoid mishaps.

“Yesterday [Tuesday] I was directing a friend’s film so it happened that the guy who was the lead actor didn’t show up and that guy was my lead character in my new film, so to avoid disappointment and frustration, I will end up playing the lead,” said Tafirenyika.

He said apart from unethical conduct, some local actors demanded more than they were worth in relation to talent and experience.

“They [actors] lack professionalism and most, if not all of them are not hungry to give their all in whatever they do,” he said.

“In South Africa they pay experience, in Zimbabwe someone who has never done anything you hear them saying I need this much. What have you done to deserve that much?”

Tafirenyika said there was need for players in the industry to support each other and adopt formal competence to develop towards international exploits.

“Zimbabwean filmmakers should be united, sharing one goal and one vision because our industry is very small. There is too much rivalry among writers, producers and directors so we should swallow our pride and focus on building it.”

The high-riding director has proclaimed similar traits as internationally-acclaimed American producer/actor Tyler Perry who is famed for great stories as well as acting prowess. Tafirenyika is set to release yet another promising blockbuster titled Love Is Not Enough, which will premiere just after the winter season.

The Light Image Productions movie which stars James Jim and Nothando Matigwe outlines the story of a girl who does not trust her boyfriend while she is obsessed because he is too good and handsome.

“I wrote the script in a day and I shot it in one, but people still don’t believe me. I am not bragging but sometimes I even get surprised at how I do it,” he said. He disclosed that he is working on another project titled My First Boyfriend.