Nick Mangwana, the Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services in Zimbabwe, has clarified the real reason behind American actress Tiffany Haddish’s recent visit to the country. The visit garnered significant media attention and was not just a tourist excursion but a major film production project.
Contrary to widespread speculation that Tiffany Haddish’s trip to Zimbabwe was solely for sightseeing, Mangwana revealed that the actress was actually in the country to shoot a film. This information comes as a welcome revelation, shedding light on the positive impact of her visit and the broader significance for Zimbabwe’s film industry.
According to Mangwana, Zimbabwe competed with South Africa to host the film production set for Haddish’s project and emerged victorious in securing the bid. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the country, highlighting its potential as a prime location for international film productions. Mangwana posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Tiffany came to Zimbabwe to shoot her film here, and that is already a massive positive because we were competing with South Africa to host her set and we won that bid.”
Haddish’s visit to Zimbabwe included sightseeing activities such as exploring Victoria Falls and experiencing the local nightlife at Harare’s Pablo nightclub. However, her visit was marred by controversy after she was filmed expressing surprise at the presence of a grocery store in Zimbabwe. This remark led to backlash from Zimbabweans and others. In response to the criticism, Haddish defended herself by attributing the reaction to the media’s tendency to portray Africa negatively. Despite the controversy, Mangwana’s revelation underscores the importance of her visit as a boon for Zimbabwe’s film industry.
Mangwana expressed satisfaction with Haddish’s decision to film in Zimbabwe, emphasizing the significance of re-establishing the country as an international film destination. He noted that Zimbabwe was once a sought-after location for film productions, exemplified by films like *King Solomon’s Mines*. The successful bid to host Haddish’s film set represents a step towards revitalizing this status and promoting Zimbabwe as a viable location for future international projects.
Tiffany Haddish’s visit to Zimbabwe, while initially perceived as a high-profile tourist stop, has proven to be a major opportunity for the country’s film industry. The successful bid to host her film production is a testament to Zimbabwe’s growing appeal as a film location and a significant win for the country’s cultural and economic landscape.
In other news – Vybz Kartel, dancehall icon freed after imprisonment
In a landmark decision on Wednesday, the Jamaica Court of Appeal has ordered the release of dancehall star Vybz Kartel and his three co-defendants, Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John. This ruling comes after years of legal battles and incarceration stemming from their 2014 conviction for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, whose body was never found.
The court’s unanimous decision against a retrial is based on several factors. The judges concluded that the interest of justice did not necessitate a new trial. They cited concerns about Vybz Kartel’s deteriorating health and the psychological and financial toll that a prolonged legal process would have on the appellants. Read More
