ZIMFLIX FOCUS: '4KUS', the gripping drama that depicts the realities of the drug pandemic

KINGSTONE ZIMUNYA

Before it's untimely closure at the end of June, the Ster Kinekor at Sam Levy Village was arguably Zimbabwe's most prestigious cinema, entertaining the prominent and affluent that stay in the surrounding leafy suburbs. 

Understandably so (given the audience); the usual at Ster Kinekor Sam Levy is international blockbusters, screened within weeks of their premiere.

On Africa Day though, it was business unusual at the picturesque cinema, with the premiere of a feature film titled 4KUS (pronounced focus), a Kumran Pictures and Premier Business School production. 

The work of veteran filmmaker Billy Kabasa, 4KUS is a gripping coming-of-age drama that delves into the themes of ambition, friendship, and the perils of drug addiction. The screenplay sheds light on the devastating effects of addiction and the manipulation that accompanies it.

The story follows Princess (played by Kundai Mabviko), an ambitious and intelligent student who battles all odds to save her two friends from the clutches of drug abuse and prostitution. 

Meanwhile, her friend Brenda (portrayed by Pearl Ngwenya) becomes entangled with Chamba ( played by Ryan Hussein), a dangerous individual involved in drug trafficking and Rudo (played by Frosty Gande) her other friend is deep into prostitution.

Amidst this turmoil, Princess finds herself striving to protect her friends and confront the societal norms that perpetuate such destructive behaviors. 

Speaking to ZimSphere, lead actress Kundai Mabviko, who stars as Princess, highlighted the importance of telling stories that matter to society through film. 

Actress Kundai Mabviko

Drug abuse has affected everyone across all social strata and destroyed families across Zimbabwe. It is only right that filmmakers focus on such issues that affect the bulk of their audience. 

"At times, sitting down with youth to teach them about drugs, only a few will pay attention, but making a film and making them watch it hits home. They are able to see what drugs to do and how drugs can change your life either you selling them or taking them," she explained. 

She also implored filmmakers to follow Billy Kabasa's example and tell these all too common yet sensitive stories in an entertaining manner, saying;

Behind the scenes of 4KUS

"I advice that as filmmakers we keep having films that teach the society and have impact on society that when that one person is alone they get to think things through."

Having featured on popular 3kTV show Tangled (as Detective Khumalo) and Charlene Mangweni-Furusa's 2023 acclaimed film See Me, Mabviko is honing her talent and making a name for herself. But the creative process that went into 4KUS was not always seamless, as she recalls;

"The scene that was challenging for me was the kidnapping scene, I laugh whether I'm afraid or not, so I had to constantly remind myself that you are Princess and not Kundai."

Lighter moments — Taku Murapa and Kundai Mabviko on set for 4KUS

Most actors find themselves immersed in the character they portray as a means of doing justice to the script. This was also the case for Mabviko as she played Princess in 4KUS, a character whom she fondly remembers. 

"The most memorable scene was the gate scene where Princess meets her match Mutoriro (played by Zoe Jandles). All the intelligent young woman goes away within minutes, it's that one scene I saw Princess question her intelligence," she reminisces. 

Zoe Jandles as Mutoriro in 4KUS

As for the premiere, Mabviko was encouraged by the audience's response to the film — well deserved for all the cast and crew's hard work. 

"The audience loved each and every character on 4KUS and how we were all able to feed from each other's energy to create what everyone was watching on screen," she beamed. 

She concluded; 

"It's always weird to watch yourself on screen, but I really thank God. Back home I would say NgibonguNkulunkulu ngangiphe khona ngoba abanye bayalifisa lelithuba kodwa abathole (I thank God for this opportunity because some wish to have such an opportunity but can't find it)."

We also caught up with Billy Kabasa who wrote, directed and produced the film. Below is the excerpt of the conversation: 

4KUS touches on negatives affecting Zimbabweans like drug abuse and prostitution. Why do you think it's important for filmmakers to bring light to the negatives? 

Filmmaker Billy Kabasa

Filmmakers are artists. We have a responsibility to paint a picture that makes society reflect on the past, present and the future. In the case of 4KUS, we focused on the issues of drugs and prostitution.

Each painting is therefore a catalyst of thought and introspection, an exploration which forms the checks and balances that create both culture and alignment — alignment to what makes us human. In that vein, filmmakers are agents of alignment. 

How long did production take? Who or what eased the pressures you were facing to deliver a quality film?  

It took 120 days overall. We had to rehearse on set before shooting to meet the budget. Editing was done overnight in-between shoots. 

Without the support of Premier Business School and in particular Ngoni Alex Robbins, we would never have managed to make the film. 

Premier Business School are committed to the education and empowerment of Zimbabwean youth, so the issue of drug and substance abuse was a huge concern for them. This alignment of purpose catapulted 4KUS into reality. 

Ngoni Alex Robbins

I must say Mr Ngoni Alex Robbins is a visionary and true patriot. We need more entrepreneurs like him that have a commitment to the future of Zimbabwe.

How was the process of bringing the script to life? As the director, how was the experience of handling such a diverse cast of actors?

The process of bringing the script to life was the most thrilling adventure to date for me. I had an amazing cast that never ceased to amaze. Zimbabwe is gifted with talented actors. 

Pearl Ngwenya as Brenda in 4KUS

We had first timers comprising the cast, but most that have viewed the film so far swear they are seeing veteran actors. The mixture of novices and veterans was perfectly balanced. In my opinion, 4KUS is a mesmerizing display of Zimbabwe's finest actors. Each scene is a film on its own. 

During production what was the most challenging scene you shot? 

The prison scene was the most challenging.

I must acknowledge the support we received from the Ministry of Justice and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS). After a few delays, they were in full support of the film and its ultimate goal. 

They were professional, proficient and committed to supporting key initiatives that furthered the positive gains of national concerns.

Behind the scenes of the prison scene in 4KUS

I look forward to similar support from the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe National Army for future projects. 

You premiered the film during Africa Day weekend. How was the reaction to the film? What was your biggest takeaway from the premiere?

It was quite a busy weekend. 

The weekend alone had two premieres — at Sam Levy and at Joina City. We also had two film community events in addition to the premiere. 

The premiere was well-attended by moviegoers, and not just peers from the filmmaking community. 

4KUS cast and crew at the premiere

The fact that we had the local community coming through is a positive sign that there is a hunger for locally produced films. 

The film also screened at Ster Kinekor Bulawayo on 8 June. This reflects a genuine effort in distributing this film. What other avenues are you exploring? 

We look forward to a theatrical run of the film and using it as a tool for drug and substance abuse workshops. 

We also plan to avail it to rehabilitation centers so that they can use the film as a rehabilitation tool. 

Can we expect any new productions from you anytime soon? 

If I had resources, I would be on set right now (laughs). There are 47 scripts still waiting to be shot. 

What's your take on the future of Zimflix — both the creation of content and its consumption?

We can grow the industry by adopting two practices. 

Firstly,  we have to support each other as filmmakers. This comes from artist realizing that there is no competition. 

If we assume that the average person can watch two movies a day, local filmmakers need to produce 730 movies a year. To date we have never produced 365 movies in one year. In short, we have no competition amongst ourselves but room to collaborate and grow. 

Secondly, audiences are now mostly online; we need to maximize on that. Say, if each filmmaker has a following of 5000, the compound effect of that over the total number of filmmakers and artists can propagate our digital traction to millions.

This can generate significant revenue and market share for Zimflix content creators. Streaming platforms like Netflix follow such traction I'm deciding what content to buy. 

This concept requires people to be selfless and realize the power of common interest.

**End of excerpt**

4KUS is a poignant and thought-provoking film that challenges the audience to reconsider their perceptions of success, friendship, and the consequences of addiction. 

Through Princess's courageous journey, the film encourages viewers to question societal expectations and advocate for the well-being of those around them in light of the drug pandemic.

In the bigger picture, 4KUS is a much-needed genre of storytelling in Zimflix. Instead of creating content that distracts the audience from the present realities, filmmakers should instead tell it like it is. It is only through such efforts that the negatives can be brought to light, discussed, and dealt with.