While the film industry in Zimbabwe may be lagging behind (a matter of funding as the talent is there), the world is showcasing an ever growing appetite for authentic stories. The latest evidence of this being Burns and Song. A short film written and directed by Tendai Nyeke, that has been trailblazing the international film festival scene.
Having been selected for festivals in the US, South Africa, Nigerian, Canada and the UK, while earning awards along the way, the film is showcasing the brilliance of inherently Zimbabwean storytelling. Produced by Ndiani Studios, the film follows the story of Risimu, the perfect seeming housewife who however hides a dark past. One chaotic morning ignites a vengeful spirit, Ngozi, and it threatens to crumble her life.
“Every festival big or small counts because it means more people get to see our work! When I set out to do this, I hadn’t directed anything in over 5 years. I was terrified but when the industry reminded us that there is so much we can’t control, I asked myself what I could. I had a story to tell, I wanted to tell it NOW and I wanted to see how the world will receive it as I grow as a filmmaking voice.” – Tendai Nyeke
Burns and Song has made the official selection for Dances With Films Festival, Birmingham Film Festival UK, Portland Festival of Cinema, African Rising International Film Festival, and the Diaspora Festival of Black & Independent Film among others.
Tendayi Nyeke took on the roles of Writer, Director, and Producer, with Dikelo Mamiala as Associate Producer. The film stars Fulu Mugovhani, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Baxo Mfidi, Chi Mhende, Mongi Majola, Daisy Maphathe, Sandile Makhoba, Bantu, and Dikelo Mamiala.
Tendayi Nyeke’s creative leadership work has been nominated for the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) across multiple genres. The filmmaker has worked as a development executive on several SAFTA-nominated shows and has written, produced, and directed television programs across global platforms. She co-developed the hit reality series Our Perfect Wedding which has been adapted across Africa.
Notable among her recent credits is her role as Executive Producer for the 2023 Disney Sci-Fi African animation Anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire. Tendayi creative led pan-African talent in the production of 10 short films across 6 countries.
