Mammon parts Mjanana from festival

29 Jan, 2017 - 00:01 0 Views
Mammon parts Mjanana from festival

The Sunday Mail

Takudzwa Chihambakwe Leisure Correspondent —
AFTER four successful editions, Elton Mjanana has left his role as director of the annual Zimbabwe International Film Festival citing money issues.

Mjanana handed in his resignation last Monday, signalling the end of his relationship with the Zimbabwe Film Festival Trust.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail Leisure, Mjanana said the last two years had been tough on him as many a times he did not get his salary.

“Yes, I have officially left my duty as festival director of the Zimbabwe International Film Festival with immediate effect,” revealed Mjanana.

“The major reason that has caused me to quit is because in the last two years the salary has been coming sporadically. This was not affecting me alone but the rest of the staff at the trust but what kept us going was the passion we have.

“I worked on my side projects whilst there to look after my family because as you know life’s issues are real and the children need to eat and have a nice place to sleep and go to school. But you know one can only do so much and the pressure will mount and lead to decisions such as these. I have a family to take care of so if there is no money coming through I cannot stick around,” disclosed Mjanana.

“Since 2014 when most of the funds we used to get from various organisations stopped coming through, that is when the challenges began but it became worse also because of the economy,” he added.

Mjanana said it was time to move on and embark on new things.

“It’s been a worthwhile four years and four festivals curated, with each growing in stature, size and impact. I am extremely proud of my time there and thankful to Nigel Munyati for the opportunity to grow individually and explore arts administration and make myself an all-rounder.

“I am leaving to go back to what butters my bread precisely, being onset and on stage. I will write more and produce and direct plays like I know how to. As well as direct films and my other passion radio drama. Some colleagues of mine and I have started a production company and we have already commenced work on our projects.

“On the home front I work with my wife — together we have ‘A Family Affair’ production and we have just recently completed our first major project for an NGO and we are looking at more musical projects this year to beat the targets we have set for ourselves. ‘A Family Affair’ is mainly the driving force behind the Edith WeUtonga brand and that is its main focus this year,” he said.

Musician Edith WeUtonga is Mjanana’s wife. ZIFF executive director Nigel Munyati confirmed Mjanana’s departure.

“We met and spoke over it and parted ways well after he handed in his resignation.

‘‘The reason for his leaving was that he wanted to pursue other goals he has set in his life and we wish him well.

“Indeed funding issues have been a cause concern for the trust, just like every other player in the arts sector is being affected, we have not been spared at all,” said Munyati.

Munyati also indicated that they would not be replacing Mjanana due to financial constraints.

“However, by the time do the next festival we will let you know who we would have roped in to cover the gap that has been left open.

‘‘But since I am around as the executive director, I will strive to ensure that it is business as usual come festival time.”

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