QINISO: THE MOVIE FAILS TO LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS

The much talked about film Qiniso finally premiered on Saturday the 7^th of February at the Rainbow theatre in Bulawayo. It features prominent figures in the local entertainment industry which include, poet turned singer Lady Tshawe , Style Icon and Global Citizen Gilmore Tee, NAMA winner and nominee, Philani Nyoni, amongst others. Having been Produced by Kudakwashe Takundwa and directed by Lenmore Sibanda a lot was expected from the production team, but that was not the case. Considering the time taken editing the film, and not forgetting the way the hush tag ‘’#QinisoTheMovie’’  became a trend on twitter for over three weeks hopes were raised only to be crushed on the day of the Premiere.  

The film starved Bulawayo public came in their numbers to support a proudly Zimbabwean product that is rarely witnessed at the expense of Nollywood ,Bollywood and Hollywood films which have become commonplace in the local media. V.I.P and regular tickets for $10 and $5 were sold out; the Movie theatre was full to the extent that the organisers had to divide the audience. Most occupied   City 1 whilst others had to wait for their turn to watch in City 2.The red carpet welcome was well executed and the exquisite smartly dressed cast was down to earth, friendly and warm hearted as they took turns to be interviewed on the red carpet. It was no surprise that the premiere of the film delayed to start as too much time was spent on the red carpet. Adding to the delay misery was the activities that took place, which included comedian, Ntando Moyo’s performance. Not forgetting the showing of Jane the Ghost’s trailer which features Leroy Ndlovu and Model, Donna Ncube. Thembi, one of Qiniso’s Producers also attributed the delays to the technical faults which were on Rainbow theatre’s side as one of the chief causes of the premiere’s delay.

Qiniso was finally witnessed after the long wait which was made even longer by the heat in the air-cone deprived Rainbow theatres. Film makers Priscilla Sithole and Percy Soko, Intwasa director Raisedon Baya, Jane Morris & Brian Jones of Amabooks Publishers, William Nyandoro from the National Arts Council and Rev Paul Damasane, were amongst the audience who patiently waited for this moment. Likewise the beginning of the film captured the audience’s sense of imagination. Jeers and whistles were a sign of the excitement in the audience. However the excitement was short lived as confusion took its turn in the events that took place in the film which were puzzling and unclearly put across. First it was the lack of sub titles, which was followed by a series of  unimpressive acting skills, bad lighting, and wrong choice of shots and angles implemented. One would swear they were no retakes taken and not much of rehearsals done prior to the shooting of the film. The audience could not hide their frustration, some shouted in anger, whilst others left quietly in disappointment during the duration of the film.

No offence, but the Director, Cinematographer, and the Editor are the chief culprits of this flop! They should take full responsibility. Bulawayo people were thrown mud in their faces! A development  they never expected especially after being  ‘’VAULTED’’ last Saturday on the 31^st of January at Jackie Mgido’s top notch-well organised  VAULT Cosmetics make-up range launch which was held at Truworths in Bulawayo. Unfortunately the film premiere which attracted almost a similar large turnout as the impressive make-up range launch did not live up to expectations.