Muvi Kali Review: Mvamizi Film At Goethe Institut

Being part of a family is essential because it guarantees love and the experience of being loved.

This sentiment resonated with me while watching “Mvamizi,” a touching and humorous film that was screened at the Goethe Institut as part of the Muvi Kali program, coordinated by Habib Diliwa. The film, directed by Philipo Cantone and produced by Wilson Nkya, uses the metaphor of the word “Mvamizi,” which translates to “intruder.” In the film, the family is portrayed through natural dialogue and witty personalities.

Following the loss of their father, the siblings find themselves sitting down together. They harbour many reserved comments and opinions about each other, and while some try to avoid discussing their feelings, an intruding snake disrupts their barriers of expression. This unexpected event leads to a breaking of the ice, and they begin to reveal much about themselves, ultimately strengthening their bond.

When asked about the journey of film production, Nkya shared, “When I read the story for the first time, I thought it was different. I told Philip that this one stood out. I especially loved the drama, and the title ‘Mvamizi’, I imagined it would be about a robbery or something similar, which I believe is what everyone anticipated. However, the snakes represented some of the hidden drama inside us, which is why many people could relate to it.”

Regarding the challenges faced during production, Nkya mentioned that aside from working with real, non-venomous snakes, having an unreliable contract for the film’s location caused significant stress.

On the Co-production angle, Nkya emphasised that it’s very important to look for international marketing when it comes to film so as to build growth and stronger connections.

The event is still serving as the best film screening outlet, which also connects the production team and the audience.

Make a plan to not miss your participation at the Goethe Institut.