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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]

KEITH Moyo, a dynamic storyteller hailing from Bulawayo, has carved a niche for himself in the film industry through his multifaceted talents and fervour for narrative art.

His formative years in the spirited neighbourhood of Nkulumane during the 1980s have profoundly moulded his path to cinematic mastery.
Nurtured by his grandmother’s firm Christian values, Moyo shared with Saturday Leisure the profound impact of the rich tapestry of cultures in his community on his creative expression.

This diverse cultural immersion in his youth has been the cornerstone of his artistic journey, informing his unique perspective and storytelling prowess.

“There’s a childhood memory that got stuck in my head and it was the amount of different and diverse cultures that we were exposed to in the ghetto.

The ghetto was everything to us, with all kinds of cultural influences . . . the good, the bad and the ugly,” he said.

Moyo’s artistic journey unfolded in unexpected ways; though he never foresaw a career as a scriptwriter, film scorer, sound designer, audio recorder and editor, his innate affinity for the arts steered his course. His professional breakthrough was sparked by an intense love for cinema and the enchanting allure of storytelling. A defining opportunity arose when Nhlanhla Masondo, the filmmaker behind Mind Your Head in Johannesburg, recognised his talent and offered him the chance to score a film, setting the stage for his diverse and creative contributions to the industry.

“My career probably began with a deep fascination with movies and a desire to be part of the magic. There’s a filmmaker in Johannesburg called Nhlanhla Masondo from Mind Your Head. He was working on his first film and he gave me a shot to score it. He gave me books on scoring and sound design and he trusted me with the job. I couldn’t disappoint.

“When you’re scoring, you’re required to read a script and I found the script fascinating. The way it was written, characters developed, story arcs, hooks, plot twists, and the whole shebang. It was a new world and I wanted to be a part of it. Later on, I found myself working with champion writers like Busisiwe Ntintili, Salah Sabiti, David Gordon and Julie Hall. They taught me a great deal about writing for small and big screen,” he recalled.
Moyo’s fervent passion for film has positioned him as a highly coveted expert in South Africa’s film industry. His versatile roles include serving as the resident writer for The Ntilili Factory, developing scripts for the National Film and Video Foundation’s Plot 59 and crafting narratives for Etv’s Isipho, among various other projects.

Throughout his illustrious career, Moyo has adeptly handled the industry’s challenges, from stringent deadlines to reconciling creative aspirations with technical constraints. His expertise has been honed through these experiences, enabling him to master the art of storytelling within the demanding parameters of filmmaking.

One of his most formidable challenges has been returning to Bulawayo to produce television shows on shoestring budgets, a testament to his commitment and adaptability in the face of resource limitations.

“Challenges are plenty in this industry! From tight deadlines to balancing creative vision with technical limitations, the film industry keeps you on your toes. But the worst has to be coming back home (Bulawayo) and trying to develop television shows with zero budget,” shared Moyo.

Moyo’s collaboration with industry giants like Netflix, Mzansi Magic and Etv has been a remarkable journey, offering him the platform to contribute to far-reaching projects and tap into vast resources. While he notes the challenge of retaining creative autonomy in the face of corporate influence, he underscores the importance of passion as the cornerstone for aspiring filmmakers.

According to Moyo, a deep-seated passion for filmmaking, an eagerness to learn and a commitment to one’s unique artistic vision are essential.
Moyo advocates for the enhancement of Zimbabwe’s film sector through increased investment in infrastructure and training, as well as creating more avenues for local narratives. He finds profound fulfilment in seeing his creations come to life on screen, stirring emotions and inspiring audiences.

Moyo is venturing into the world of animation, collaborating with a South African animator to weave engaging stories that resonate with his homeland.

He is also developing his inaugural horror series with a South African production house. Although bound by confidentiality, this project is poised to be a thrilling addition to South African cinema.

Moyo encourages emerging scriptwriters and filmmakers to trust in their vision, refine their craft and embrace lifelong learning.

His own path from Bulawayo to cinematic acclaim is a testament to the power of dedication and creativity, serving as a beacon for Zimbabwe’s burgeoning talent in the global film landscape.

“Believe in your vision, hone your skills and never stop learning. The film industry is waiting for your unique voice and contributions,” he said.  — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu