A sleeping giant has indeed awakened, and its roar is echoing from the heart of Zengeza.
In a bold and inspiring turn for Zimbabwean cinema, emerging filmmaker Allan Munaki (pictured) is proving that talent, vision, and passion can emerge from even the most overlooked corners of our society.
Munaki — a director, producer, and scriptwriter — has penned and produced ten short films that delve into pressing social issues such as human rights abuses, substance addiction, child marriage, child labour, and domestic violence.
With themes that resonate deeply with the Zimbabwean lived experience, his body of work is not just timely, but crucial.
What sets Munaki apart from the wave of content creators sprouting up across Zimbabwe and the continent at large is his narrative depth and script sophistication.
Early reviewers describe his storytelling as "spellbinding" and "fascinating" — a refreshing departure from more conventional or formulaic approaches often seen in locally produced short films.
His attention to structure, character development, and realism suggests a creator who understands not only what stories need to be told, but also how to tell them with authenticity and artistry.
Born on July 12, 1971, in Norton, Munaki’s journey to filmmaking is as compelling as the stories he writes.
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From humble beginnings and a career path that wound through mechanical studies and legal administration, to retraining as a filmmaker later in life, Munaki’s evolution reflects a resilience and determination worthy of admiration.
His academic training in film, undertaken at the National Arts Gallery, has clearly sharpened his innate talent for storytelling.
Family plays an important role in Munaki’s life. Married to Loveness Bendara, a retired police officer, the couple are raising three children, including their youngest, Annabelle, who attends school in Zengeza.
This grounding in family life may well inform the human depth found in his scripts.
Yet Munaki’s vision extends beyond personal success. He is an advocate for collaborative growth in the film industry, calling on the corporate world to invest in Zimbabwean talent.
“Let’s tell our own story, and the world will surely know who we truly are,” he declares — a call to cultural action that could well galvanise a new era for the local creative sector.
Preparations are underway for auditions on June 5 and 6, as Munaki assembles a cast to bring his screenplays to life.
There is palpable anticipation about whether the actors will match the weight of the material they've been handed.
Still, Munaki’s eye for talent and evident dedication offer reason for optimism.
In a country rich with untold stories, Munaki is staking his claim as one of the voices determined to speak out.
His journey is a reminder that innovation and brilliance are not the preserve of the privileged few but can — and often do — rise from the most unexpected places.
As the Zimbabwean film industry seeks to assert itself on the global stage, figures like Allan Munaki are not just contributors — they are trailblazers.
