Kenyan movie concept Wavamizi received international recognition after being listed in the 2020 Durban Film Mart (DFM) for funding.
Wavamizi translates to Invaders in English and tells the saga of the Portuguese occupation of Mombasa and how the locals revolted led by the son of a Sultan.
The project is yet to be produced into a movie with only a proof of concept shot which has now been listed at the Durban Film Mart to get funds for the production of the full film.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Shirleen Wangari alias Shish from her role in Citizen TV show Tahidi High, who is the one of the producers of the film expressed her delight after being listed at DFM and hopes the team can secure funding to complete the project.
"As a producer, your aim is to get a project done start to finish. With this opportunity we get to meet people interested in the same vision hence moving the project forward towards completion," she noted.
The Portuguese occupation of Mombasa is perhaps one of the biggest stories in African history that is yet to be extensively narrated in a movie.
The DFM is a finance and co-production market that aims to create partnerships and further the development and production of film on the African continent.
Films listed earn the chance of recognition and the opportunity to develop strategic relationships between film financiers and African filmmakers.
Wavamizi concept was funded by Méhul Savani, and co-produced by Kiboi Kuria, the director of photography was Jim bishop and edited by Dan Kent.
DFM is currently is going till Sunday, September 13, but the content shop where the movie has been placed will remain open until the end of the month, giving potential partners and financiers to pick projects they are interested in.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the DFM is set to be held virtually with Wangari revealing a number of co-producers have expressed with interest in funding the project.
"I attended physically in 2018 and I'd say it was probably better meeting one on one, online is different but it still works.
"I have several meetings set up with interested parties so the director Jesse Kyalo and I are hopeful we will get to work soon after," she explained.
