Lady Filmmakers Festival - Khayalami (My Home)
A story about an African woman’s struggle to keep her traditions and customs alive while living in an increasingly Western world.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Denise Khumalo
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made the film in order to show a true representation of Africa, the media usually represents third world countries in a negative light.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It gives the viewers a glimpse of Zimbabwe, both rural and suburban areas. You also learn about the people and the different tribes and how they co-exist.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
My film is a self discovery documentary therefore there is a lot of my personal life being shown. You get to see my friends and family. There are a lot of universal themes in the documentary, for example: family, change and personal growth.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script is completed, I made sure to ask the most important questions and let the rest follow.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Mostly positive feedback, viewers love my animated personality and my strength to fight for what I believe in.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Yes it has challenged me to dig deeper and ask even harder questions, I purposely avoided taboo issues which would have made a better documentary.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Exposure, the more people that watch and see my film so that they can learn about my country and my people. A lot of people do not know much about Zimbabwe.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
My documentary is completed but I am looking for distributors, buyers and journalists to help put it out there.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
For the viewers to leave with some knowledge of Zimbabwe and what it is like for a foreigner coming to live in America. It is light hearted and a film that can be watched by the whole family.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
If I would date/marry someone from the Shona tribe.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently writing a web series and I can't wait for the world to see it.
Interview: September 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Khayalami (My Home)
A story about an African woman’s struggle to keep her traditions and customs alive while living in an increasingly Western world.
Length: 14 min 40 secs
Director: Denise Khumalo
Producer: Denise Khumalo
Writer: Denise Khumalo
About Director/Writer/Producer:
Denise Ntombikayise Khumalo was born in Harare, Zimbabwe where she discovered her passion for film and entertainment. Watching her mother become a successful television personality and radio host inspired her to pursue her dreams in filmmaking. She moved to America in order to establish her film career.
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Social media handles:
Facebook: Denise Khumalo
Instagram: @makhu
Other: Facebook page Khayalami (My Home)
Where can I see it in the next month?
It is being screened on Saturday 30 September 2016 at 12.15pm at the Lady Filmmakers Festival in Beverly Hills at the Wilshire screening room. Here is a link to the tickets: https://filmfreeway.com/festival/LadyFilmmakersFestival/tickets