By HARBGUY MWAMBAZI –

WHEN asked how she managed to pull off very emotive scene in the upcoming movie, Adora Mufaya’s answer was simply, “It is time”.
Indeed, it’s time for the screening of the trailer of one of Zambia’s most anticipated movies of 2016, and when that time came and went, those who saw the trailer at SterKinekor in Lusaka where left mesmerised by the high level of acting portrayed by the cast.
That quality to most people meant that film is now being taken seriously in Zambia.
Adora Mwape (Ms Mufaya) sent the audience into tears when she mourned her husband (Bruce Kalombo) who died in a plane crash and she was left to fend for her family as a single mother challenged by an In-law who decided to grab all her husband’s property.
Known for singing, Adora’s supporting role in the action drama showed how equal to the task she was, challenge her male counterparts in the production.
“It is time for women to take a leading role in film,’’ was the explanation she gave about her role in the movie.
“Apart from acting, I am a film director and producer. I am also a screen writer, though I love to take up one role at a time,‘’ she said, explaining that Mufaya was a special project to her. It was her first major role she had played in a movie.
She said she was attached to her character (Ms Mufaya) so much so that she got goose bumps every time she saw the trailer.
“I am looking forward to the launch of the movie and hope that Zambian movie lovers come in numbers to support this great production whose theme is on alcohol and drug abuse. The aim of the movie is to entertain, while educating at the same time. It is a must see,” she said.
Ms Mwape noted that women are taking up leading roles in film making, which was something she found very encouraging especially that it was happening at a time when the film industry is blossoming.
She said there is no greater time to be involved in the film Industry than now.
The producers of the movie, Every Moment Connections and M Broz have a power packed cast in the movie with actresses like the renowned cabaret dancer Maureen Lilanda (who plays aunty Grace) Zodwa Kumalo (who plays Mufaya’s girlfriend), Thandiwe Kamanga (who acts as a shabeen queen).
Others are Jean Riley, Mwansa Mwanakaoma, Pricilla Steenhaut, Fretina Zulu, Mapalo Mulenga, Memory Mwaba, Angela Kangwa, Lissy Yambayamba, Betty Chuulu, Wanga Zulu, Theresa Mbesuma, Alice Milambo, Cynthia Bwembya and Eneless Moses Chilonda.
Ngebe Palata, Lisa Njovu, Angela Nachilongo, Rhoda Tembo, Bessie Kapema, Betty Matanda, Trace Ngosa, Elizabeth Mapoma, Christine Chifokola, Tinashe Chibilika and Dorothy Zimba complete the list.
Mufaya is a story about choices – choices around a young man’s struggle to find redemption in a changing world.
It will premiers on the May 26, 2016 at SterKinekor cinemas at Arcades in Lusaka.
It would be preceded by a red carpet event that promises to be Zambia’s biggest to-date.