Zim filmmaker’s dance film set for global showcase

KUDAKWASHE CHIBVURI

Zimbabwean award-winning filmmaker Charlene Furusa’s dance film titled “SEE ME” is set to be screened at the International AIDS Conference in Munich, Germany, New Zealand, Spain, Botswana and South Africa.

Currently in Germany for the International AIDS Conference that began last week, Furusa said the achievement was a huge milestone and hoped it will win the hearts and minds of many while achieving its set objectives.

“SEE ME” depicts the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on young people living with HIV in Zimbabwe.

“We are so excited that our film was selected to be screened at the International AIDS Conference, the biggest AIDS conference in the world. We’re hoping that those who will watch the film at the IAS will get to live through some of our Zimbabwean experiences, and that this will foster change in HIV responses, especially during crisis times like during COVID,” Furusa said.

Furusa noted that the HIV response should never be based on race, gender, social or economic standing.

“Some places are at war right now, but those living with HIV and AIDS still need medical attention. We hope the conference will trigger the conversations that the HIV response should never be based on race, gender, social or economic standing,” she said.

The creative process of “SEE ME” was based on true experiences in Zimbabwe, which has helped Furusa gain international recognition for the film

“The film is based on research carried out over a period of about two years based on real-life stories. We wanted to present our findings in a relatable and entertaining manner and that is why we incorporated film with dance, photography and music,” she said.

Furusa gave much of the credit to her team, including cinematographer Tafadzwa Furusa, composer Nyasha Zuzi, and choreographer Sean Mambwere, for their contributions to the film’s global recognition.

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