Dunamis Film Premiere Shines at Ster Kinekor Joina City, Harare

The premiere of Dunamis on January 31, 2025, at Ster Kinekor Joina City in Harare marked a significant moment for Zimbabwean cinema. The event was a sold-out success, drawing an enthusiastic crowd eager to witness the film, which is the brainchild of multi-talented producer Marc Mandishora, also known as Mandisoul. The premiere not only captured the attention of the local audience but also set the stage for the international reach of the film.

Dunamis is a gripping narrative about a violent and corrupt detective, driven by a personal vendetta against Pentecostal churches due to his mother’s experience with a fraudulent pastor. His quest to shut down all such churches, starting with the popular Bishop Duncan Fraser’s, forms the heart of the film’s intense plot.

In an exclusive conversation with NewsDay Life & Style, Mandishora shared his excitement about the premiere, describing it as a “unique red carpet experience.” Despite the high ticket prices, he expressed satisfaction with the turnout, highlighting that the audience felt the experience was worth every cent. Mandishora’s commitment to taking Zimbabwean cinema to new heights was evident as he revealed plans to screen Dunamis in Bulawayo, Mutare, and Masvingo, and collaborate with a different cinema chain for future presentations featuring international guests.

Mandishora also expressed his frustration with local cinemas that often neglect local content, charging high fees for cinema hires while sidelining Zimbabwean films. He welcomed the fresh opportunity presented by NuMetro, which he hopes will allow Zimbabwean productions to find a consistent and respected platform.

The film’s cast, including Nyasha Nhongo, Edmond Chamer, and several others, also shared their thoughts on the premiere. Nhongo, who portrayed Advocate Ezekiel Mabhena, reflected on the rewarding experience of playing his character and expressed hope that Dunamis would inspire both actors and filmmakers. Chamer, who played the complex role of Detective Bernard, noted the challenge of portraying a character with conflicting traits but expressed pride in the final product.

Other cast members such as Jermaine Cole Mandisoul, Winter Sky Mandisoul, and Shylet Mupeti also spoke about how the film elevated their careers, helping them grow professionally. Mandishora, who also chairs the Zimbabwe Oscars Committee, is now focusing on taking Dunamis to major international film festivals, with plans to present it in Cannes, Tribeca, Amsterdam, New York, Los Angeles, and beyond. He described the project as one with global cinematic appeal, reflecting his ambition to showcase Zimbabwean talent on the world stage.

The Dunamis premiere was a milestone for Zimbabwean filmmaking, drawing attention to the country’s growing cinematic industry. As the film takes its next steps, Mandishora is excited about the future of Zimbabwean cinema and is determined to contribute to its growth both locally and internationally.