It’s not common for a rookie in the film industry, anywhere in the world, to have their debut film nominated for an award in the coveted “Best Directed Feature Film” category.

Louisa Madzivanzira, a burgeoning Zimbabwean creative, is one such exception. A recent graduate of the University of Zimbabwe’s Film and Television School, Madzivanzira made waves with her directorial debut in Saunyama, a local feature set in the 18th century.

Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in both Zimbabwe and South Africa, Madzivanzira has her sights set on clinching the prestigious award at the second edition of the Zimbabwe Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs), scheduled for November 30, 2024, in Harare.

My Afrika Magazine correspondent Elias Muonde (EM) had the opportunity to speak with the modest yet confident Louisa Madzivanzira (LM) about her nomination, the film Saunyama, and her aspirations.

EM: Congratulations on your ZAFTA nomination! Being nominated for outstanding directing in a feature film is a significant achievement. Did you expect it?
LM: Thank you, thank you. Honestly, I did not see it coming. I remember the night my editor sent a “congratulations” message; I thought it was just a misplaced text, so I laughed and asked who it was for. When he sent the screenshot of the nominees, I screamed!

EM: Saunyama is your debut film as a director. How did you land the directing role?
LM: Believe it or not, I started as the production manager under Brian Kugara. Then, I was offered the chance to direct as a test—and it unfolded from there.

EM: Can you briefly share the storyline of Saunyama?
LM: It’s a fictitious story set in late 1800s Zimbabwe. A prince must marry the princess of another kingdom to strengthen his father’s rule. But love complicates things when he falls for a common girl. He has to navigate his father’s will, his own desires, and the secrets his father has been hiding.

EM: Saunyama sounds like a complex story to bring to life. What challenges did you face while visually interpreting the storyline and applying your directorial vision?
LM: Set design and the number of extras were the biggest challenges. A film about a kingdom needs large casts, and low numbers made that tricky. But as a director, you learn to navigate such issues—for example, using changes in point of view to compensate.

EM: I understand the film was shot on location in scenic Domboshava, just outside Harare. What was the morale like on set? Any memorable moments from the shoot?
LM: Haha! My mother used to say, “Who you are sets the tone for where you work.” The cast was like family—we had an amazing dynamic. On set, they were responsive to direction, and off set, they were respectful yet playful. Cold nights were spent around the fire, sharing stories until sleep claimed us.

EM: Given another chance, what would you improve about Saunyama as a director?
LM: I’d definitely add more cast members and props. Maybe even reshuffle some things. But these are primarily monetary constraints.

EM: Family support is vital for success. Does your family back you, and how do they feel about your nomination?
LM: My family is my number-one support system. One of my sisters started making plans for where she’ll live once I “start making money from fame”!

EM: Do you have any mentors or role models, locally or internationally?
LM: Lloyd Nyikadzino is my mentor. His perspective on directing is truly eye-opening.

EM: Are you happy with the state of Zimbabwe’s film industry right now?
LM: Unfortunately, Zimbabwe’s film industry can be a dog-eat-dog world. Instead of supporting one another, people focus on self-interest because it’s so hard to make a profit. That said, there has been progress, but we still have a long way to go.

EM: Dreams and aspirations—where do you see yourself heading from here?
LM: Someone once asked me why we say the sky is the limit. For me, it’s about pushing further. I want to make more films and change the world one story at a time. Saunyama introduced English in Zimbabwean epics to bridge language barriers. Next, I want to explore uncharted territories. Who knows? Maybe I’ll land on another planet while aiming for the Milky Way!

EM: Thank you, Louisa, for your time. We wish you the best in your career and good luck at the ZAFTAs!
LM: Thank you so much.