Bongo Movies coming of age appreciated

One of the films amongst these winners is the “Queen of Maasai” Feature Drama, which was directed by Single Mtambalike a.k.a. Richie. It actually won the Best Writer award, which went to Abubakar Guni and Devotha Mayunga.

Unfortunately, they were not present to collect their award, so Mtambalike had this honour, on their behalf. When receiving the dhow-shaped award, from the “ComNet Bongo Movie Awards” category, apart from thanking all those who supported him and the film, Mtambalike also took the opportunity to remind those in attendance that “film requires budget”. Not having the required finance for a particular productions, literally means there can be no film, he emphasised.

That is why he had a request to make. “Let’s support each other, share education, information and don’t just sit and think anyone of us knows more than the other. Everyday we’re learning. For how I started is not where I am today.

I’m growing little by little because I don’t believe I know more than another, together with wanting to learn more every day. Now that is why I can be going from step to step. God only knows what is ahead of us,” he suggested.

Before leaving the stage Mtambalike also asked the audience to continue watching local films, and sponsors to carry on supporting the yearly festival (ZIFF), which is now recognised, as the biggest of its kind in East Africa.

His last words were to continue appreciating the works of local filmmakers. Another person, who was called on stage, on awards night is Salim Ahmedy, who is better-known as Gabo. He was given Best Actor for his role in “Safari ya Gwalu” within the same “ComNet Bongo Movie Awards” category. He thrilled the full-tocapacity amphitheatre within the Old Fort there in Stone town, when he greeted them with a Makonde followed by Maasai accents.

Then he thanked all those who stood by him, for him to be receiving that award. He acknowledged having a debt to pay to the nation for the high level of support it has given him. This debt he promised to pay, while enjoying doing what he loves, which is being together, as is the case at the point where two walls meet in a corner of a building.

The ‘Daily News’ had the opportunity of getting more from Gabo the following day, where he mentioned how he takes time before getting onset, to research various aspects about a character and many other things related to the place and people, where a film is to be made.

This is very much in line with his adherence to what his teacher told him in reference to an artist being like a blank piece of paper. “Therefore, whatever language you write on this blank piece of paper, or anything else, even to draw a picture, it will be attractive and liked. So that’s the principal I’m following,” Gabo said.