General

Details

Source: The Herald
Women in film have been challenged to take challenging roles in the sector and contribute to the growth of the industry.

In line with that vision, Talent of Steel a local production house that produces film and television productions is seeking female directors.

In an interview, head of studio of Talent of Steel, Talent Chitauro said since most companies were now pushing for gender equality, her organisation was working towards achieving parity in film."We have seen more men behind the scenes in film and television productions of late be it camera work, sound designers, production designers, key grips among other production activities.

"At TOS we are going to be employing more women than men so that they are empowered and exhibit some skills that have been churned out of late," she said.

Chitauro said gone are the days when women were only recruited as makeup artists, without any leading roles in film making.

"We have a lot of talented women in the country, the problem is on stereotypes and again lack of exposure to explore the talent. I am much inspired by US singer Beyonce. Look at her band, she empowers females. Why can't we do the same? I am happy that more women are challenging men like in any other profession," she said.

She said currently they have four young women on attachment from Midlands State University who are doing filming.

"We have some students who came to assist and have since been promoted to producer, wardrobe and makeup artist respectively in our production. They have also been offered acting roles in 'Wenera' with Leona playing a detective whilst Thabi portrays a Ndebele landlady at the popular blue house where Tsotsi stays," she said.

Chitauro said they want to produce more female filmmakers who will join the likes of like Tsitsi Dangarembwa, Dorothy Meck, Rumbi Katedza, and Nakai Tsuro.

"My role model is Oprah Winfrey because she has managed to penetrate the industry that was highly dominated by men and also following her history I feel inspired and at the same time challenged," she said

TOS creative director Eddie Ndhlovu said women were equally competent in film.

TOS is known for such productions like the popular "Wenera" soap that airs on ZTV every Monday nights and the 2010 film "Sores of Emmanuel" l.

They are filming "Wenera" Season Two in Hatfield where they have turned a full house into studio sets for the popular soapie.

By Tafadzwa Zimoyo

Go to top