New Film The Future Sends a Bold Wake-Up Call to ...

New Film The Future Sends a Bold Wake-Up Call to a Generation

Audrey Galawu- Assistant Editor

“Every ending holds a story untold.” That’s the haunting line drivingThe Future, a gripping new Zimbabwean film set to premiere on August 2, 2025, at Ster-Kinekor Joina City in Harare.

Tackling the timely issue of drug abuse, the film dives deep into the invisible battles facing Zimbabwe’s youth — and the enduring impact of choices made in silence.

According to British Isaac Madzivanyika, the film’s producer, The Future was inspired by a real-life tragedy.

“The story came from my co-producer, Belinda Musemburi, who was deeply moved by the death of a talented young person due to drug abuse,” Madzivanyika revealed.

“We realised that many young people are losing their lives to drugs instead of building their potential. That’s why we called it The Future— because it’s about the choice we all have to either make or break our futures.”

The film promises more than just social commentary. It’s layered with emotion, tackling legacy, innovation, generational conflict, and the weight of untold stories.

“That line — ‘every ending holds a story untold’ — speaks to the idea that a death, a breakup, even a failure, doesn’t mark the end,” he said.

“In the film, we explore how our lives continue to echo and inspire others even after they appear to end. It’s about memory, legacy, and the unseen consequences of our choices.”

With a runtime of nearly two hours, the film was shot under intense emotional and logistical pressure. The production, which took 6–7 months to complete, was not without its challenges.

“We had to balance emotional intensity with a very tight schedule,” said Madzivanyika.

“One night shoot was especially chaotic — everything went wrong — but in the end, we captured one of the film’s most powerful scenes. That night really bonded us as a team.”

Authenticity was a non-negotiable when casting. The production team sought actors who could channel vulnerability and truth without losing nuance.

“We didn’t want performances that felt forced. We needed people who felt like these characters — a mix of raw talent and experience — and who could carry emotional weight without overacting.”

As Zimbabwe’s creative industry continues to evolve, The Future joins a growing slate of local films refusing to be ignored.

“This film adds to the growing body of work that tells Zimbabwean stories with heart, sophistication, and global relevance,” Madzivanyika noted.

“It proves that you don’t need perfect conditions to create something meaningful.”

But bringing such stories to screen still comes with major industry hurdles.

“Access to funding, training, and distribution remain our biggest obstacles,” he explained.

“I’ve personally navigated this by building strong collaborations and staying resourceful. We’ve learned to see value where others don’t.”

He believes the country’s film sector can only rise with intentional investment and cultural respect for creatives.

“We need infrastructure, policy support, and training — but also a culture that respects storytellers. With that, Zimbabwe could easily become a film powerhouse in Africa.”

Above all, Madzivanyika credits the film’s success to the synergy of its crew.

“Collaboration is the secret sauce,” he said with a smile. “I had an incredible team behind me. Special shoutout to Belinda Musemburi — we’ve developed this powerful dynamic where we just get each other. Choosing the right team is everything.”