On August 21, the movie ‘Shaina’ premiered on ZBC TV.
However, there were so many questions that many were left with about the movie.
Some asked was this made by Zimbabweans, who funded it and what was its main objective besides the entertainment value?
So we did some digging and we discovered that it was funded by USAID.
In our digging we managed to chat with the USAID Mission Director, Art Brown who revealed more about the movie which brings together the best of Zimbabwe’s known talent, including Jesesi Mungoshi, Leroy Gopal, Patricia Mabviko, Edmore Sandifolo, Marian Kunonga, and Charmaine Mujeri, alongside a host of refreshing young Zimbabwean actors.
As the movie is set to be uploaded on the USAID social media platforms, here are five things you should know about it.
What inspired the movie?
We wanted girls and young women to “take the driver’s seat” and play an active role in improving their health and circumstances, so that they live longer, healthier lives. We realized that there was a gap in messaging around critical health issues such as pregnancy, maternal and child health, gender-based violence, malaria, and tuberculosis. The movie is an innovative way to fill that gap, and to address any form of message fatigue, where you find that young people are tired of hearing the same message over and over again, packaged in the same way.
Who were the producers and directors?
Beautie Masvaure is the Director of Shaina and Siphiwe Hlabangane is the producer. USAID and the production team also worked with many other partners on this project, who deserve credit. We engaged at all levels: with adolescent girls and young women, community members, USAID health partners, and representatives from relevant ministries in Zimbabwe, such as the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. They all helped us bring this story to life.
Who are some of the renowned actors who feature as well as upcoming ones?
Shaina brings together the best of Zimbabwe’s known talent, including Jesesi Mungoshi, Leroy Gopal, Patricia Mabviko, Edmore Sandifolo, Marian Kunonga, and Charmaine Mujeri, alongside a host of refreshing young Zimbabwean talent the country is yet to see in Wilmah Munemera, Tinodiwanashe Chitima, Gamu Mukwakwami, Tadiwanashe Marowa, and Tarumbidzwa Chirume.
There are many partners involved, was this a once off project or more funds shall be channeled towards reviving the local film sector?
As I mentioned before, USAID worked with many partners, including select adolescent girls and young women, and representatives from relevant Ministries, mainly the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary education. This movie is part of a package of engagement products including an interactive card game and a very robust engagement strategy. The engagement strategy is intended to help us follow up with adolescent girls and young women to continue the conversation around these critical health messages, after they have watched the movie.
Who wrote the script and why the name Shaina?
Wanisai Chigwendere is the script writer, and she brought a uniquely Zimbabwean element to the story. We also collaborated with various partners and representatives of various Ministries to ensure that Shaina would entertain, educate, and empower young Zimbabweans. The name says it all “Shine!” We wanted it to be evocative and to show young Zimbabweans that they can “take the driver’s seat” and play an active role to improve their health.
