Experiencing Interruptions?

MARIANA

When Mariana discovers she's pregnant with her young lover’s child, she must navigate their complicated relationship and convince him to embrace fatherhood and perhaps move in together, forcing them to confront their fears, and future in this heartwarming drama about love and unexpected harmony.

  • Kudzai Kizito Madangwa
    Writer
  • Kudzai Kizito Madangwa
    Director
  • Kudzai Kizito Madangwa
    Producer
  • Lorraine Mushati
    Key Cast
    "Mariana"
  • Gladmore Tinashe Musipani
    Key Cast
    "Ranganai"
  • Tinashe Dorobeni
    Assistant Director
  • Munashe Chitsiga
    Director of Photography
  • Tafadzwa Ranganai
    Onset Video/Photographer
  • Kuda Bryan Bwititi
    Line Producer
  • Silibaziso Kimberly Chuka
    Production Manager
  • Andrew Muroyiwa
    Sound Mixer
  • Admire Kanhenga
    Editor
  • Gladmore Tinashe Bvuta
    Production Assistant
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 26 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 25, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    5,525 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Zimbabwe
  • Country of Filming:
    Zimbabwe
  • Language:
    English, Shona
  • Shooting Format:
    Black Magic, Cinema
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Cinearts Academy
Director Biography - Kudzai Kizito Madangwa

Kudzai Kizito Madangwa is a Zimbabwean actor with almost a decade of performance in the entertainment industry. He has featured in various films, music videos, commercial adverts and television shows.

K.K.M is extremely passionate about casting, he is a freelance Casting Director and the founder and Chief Administrator of an online open casting platform called *Casting Call Fellas* which grooms and offers opportunities to around 400 professional and amateur actors/models in Zimbabwe.

K.K.M is also passionate about the growth and development of the Zimbabwean Film and Television sector. This is evidenced by his involvement in developmental projects of the sector such as the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards [ZAFTAs] where he is a Co-Creator and Organizer. In May 2023 he organized and hosted a one day free screen acting class for all film and tv actors in Zimbabwe. The event was attended by high profile figures as well as respected organizations. K.K.M’s passion for developmental projects also extends to the grassroots, demonstrated by his co-hosting the MultiChoice Talent Factory Pop Up workshop which was aimed at educating and helping aspiring and upcoming filmmakers apply for the opportunities that MultiChoice presents.

K.K.M is currently working with a team of experienced unionists and seasoned actors on the National Guild of Screen and Stage Actors of Zimbabwe [NaGUSSAZ]. A representative body that will advocate for the interests of professional actors in the performing arts industries of Zimbabwe. As a labour union that represents the interests of actors working in the film, television, and theater industries, NaGUSSAZ will advocate for its members; improved pay, benefits, time off, maximum working hours, and other stipulations designed to benefit and protect workers.

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Director Statement

Theme: "Love and unexpected reality”.
In the climax of "Mariana," the theme is communicated vividly through Ranganai's violent confrontation with Marian. The moment Ranganai reminds Mariana that she’s too old for him, demonstrate how no matter how love can be blinding the actual facts are always in our minds, hiding somewhere waiting for the perfect opportunity. Mariana’s desire is to share the blame and responsibility is shown when she says, “Be a man! You did this to me, you’re now grown up..” This moment, filled with raw emotion and violence, encapsulates the film’s theme: Mariana’s ambition to turn a boy into a man, into a father and into a husband.

Logline:
Mariana reveals her pregnancy to Ranganai, persuading him to accept the
situation and consider moving in together to start a family.

Value at Stake:
Love vs Ethics

In "Mariana," Mariana's struggle is to atleast have a child. She feel she is very late to have a family of her own.

Conceptual Relevance: Protagonist's Goal: Mariana’s goal throughout the film is to manipulate her younger boyfriend into eloping and starting a family. This goal is rooted in her deep sense of loneliness and societal expectations, which are exacerbated by the fact that she is indeed getting older and men have stopped coming after her regardless of being beautiful and successful.

Obstacles:
• Internal Conflict: Mariana's deep-seated pain and soft anger make her increasingly unstable, causing her to question her actions and intentions as she becomes more consumed by her desire to be a mother and a wife. Her struggle with her own humanity serves as a significant obstacle, as she must constantly suppress any lingering doubts or guilt to stay committed to her goal.
• Moral Ambiguity: As Mariana begins to act on her plans, the moral implications of her actions weigh heavily on her.
• Execution of the Plan: Carrying out her plan requires meticulous planning and execution. Mariana must navigate the complexities of her relationships with Ranganai.
• Consequences of Her Actions: As Mariana proceeds with her plan, the consequences of her actions become increasingly severe, both for herself and for the boyfriend.