Tikula
Three friends navigate the challenges of teenagehood, each grappling with their own unique struggles amidst the backdrop of family and societal expectations and personal loss.
Toni, shattered by the sudden death of her famed dancer sister, Suwi, finds solace and purpose in dance, the art form that once bonded them. However, she must confront her parents' reluctance to accept her chosen path, as she fights to convince them that dance is not only her passion but also her means of healing and self-discovery.
Meanwhile, Vanessa, a rising star in the world of dance, battles against the shadow of her mother, who runs a dance studio. She is determined to prove that her success is earned through her own talent and dedication rather than through the influence of her mother's dance studio. As she strives to break free from the confines of her mother’s high expectations, Vanessa must confront her mother and prove she can stand on her own.
Taonga, on the other hand, is a great athlete and dancer but grapples with the weight of public perception as trolls relentlessly attack her body image, forcing her to question not only her self-worth but also the sincerity of her relationship with Choolwe, her boyfriend.
As she struggles to reconcile her outward confidence with inner doubts, Taonga must confront the fear that she may never be enough in a world that values stereotypical and superficial beauty over true substance.
Together, these three friends embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment; they discover that true strength lies not in conformity but in the courage to embrace their own unique identities and forge their own paths in a world that often seeks to limit them.
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Harringtone NamunjiDirector
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Muchemwa SinkalaDirector
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Henry Joe SakalaWriter
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Thandiwe FolotiyaWriter
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Catherine O MutaleWriter
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Catherine N PhiriProducer
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Mary K PhiriProducer
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Natasha Phiri MunalulaProducer
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Cicely Faith ShebeleKey Cast"Antoinette"
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Mukuka MusondaKey Cast"Vanessa"
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Angel KolalaKey Cast
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Mutale KatasoKey Cast"Chichi"
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Nathan SimunzaKey Cast"Choolwe"
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David TupakiKey Cast"Michael"
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Farai MhlangaKey Cast"Joshua"
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Chawana MuyembiDirector of Photography
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Sikela MansonProduction Sound Recordist
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Sampa ChilesheScript Supervisor/Continuity
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Twaambo BbukuWardrobe Coordinator
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Elizabeth PhiriWardrobe Assistant
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Angela ZuluWardrobe Assistant
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Daisy ChuluWardrobe Assistant
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WINCMakeup and Hair
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Mary K PhiriProduction Designer
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Precious ChishalaArt Coordinator
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Aliya MakowaneSet Designer
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Mubitah Edwin Lang'aniProps Master
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Gloria ShongaSet Dresser
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Chileshe Katman KatongoSet Construction
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Victor ShacholiDrone Pilots
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Harrison K ChalilaDrone Pilots
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Victor Shacholi1st Camera Operator
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Tisangalale Lipa2nd Camera Operator
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Nampaka ShankwayaCamera Assistants
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Steven LunguGrips and Lighting
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Venon SandasGrips and Lighting
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Danny PhiriGrips and Lighting
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Katongo Katman ChilesheGaffer
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Luka BandaBest Boy Electrician
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Joseph ChilesheElectrician
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Alfred MsiskaBoom Operator
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Chef 187Music
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BombshellMusic
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Princess Natasha ChansaMusic
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Radio CafeMusic
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Lupasha Nathan ChellaChoreographer
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Sarah MutunaProduction Coordinator (Admin and Finance)
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Violet PhiriProduction Assistant
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Angel PhiriProduction Assistant
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Mukuka MwewaIntern
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Raymond BandaSet Runner
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Innocent ChibayaMedic
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John ChilufyaPost Production Supervisor
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John ChilufyaEditor
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John ChilufyaColorist
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Jonathan NdasheDIT
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Jonathan NdasheMotion Graphics
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Radio CaféSound Design and Final Mix
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Tenet Consulting LtdIT Support Services
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Mwenya and Mwitwa AdvocatesLegal
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Project Type:Television, Web / New Media
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Runtime:25 minutes
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Completion Date:January 16, 2025
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Production Budget:30,000 USD
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Country of Origin:Zambia
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Country of Filming:Zambia
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Distribution Information
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YouTubeCountry: ZambiaRights: All Rights, Internet
Harringtone Namunji is a Zambian filmmaker, producer, and cinematographer. He is known for directing Zambia’s first teen drama series Tikula and has worked on many reality shows, including Date My Family Zambia, Our Perfect Wedding Zambia, and Mom vs. Wife, both as director and first assistant director while working for Media365.
With Tikula Season 3, we set out to tell authentic stories that reflect the real struggles of teenage girls navigating identity, societal pressures, and personal loss. The series follows Toni, Vanessa, and Taonga as they grapple with grief, family expectations, body image, and self-worth while discovering strength through friendship and the power of self-expression.
Directing this season was a deeply meaningful experience. We wanted to create a story that resonates with young people, especially girls, showing that it’s okay to be different and to forge your own path. Dance, as a central element, serves not only as a form of creative expression but also as a metaphor for overcoming life’s challenges. Visually, we aimed to draw audiences into each character’s emotional journey through vibrant yet grounded cinematography.
At its heart, Tikula is about embracing individuality and finding the courage to face life head-on. It’s a story that encourages young people to rise above societal expectations and be unapologetically themselves. I am proud of the team’s hard work and excited to share Tikula Season 3 with audiences everywhere.