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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.

  • Harringtone Namunji
    Director
  • Muchemwa Sinkala
    Director
  • Henry Joe Sakala
    Writer
  • Thandiwe Folotiya
    Writer
  • Catherine O Mutale
    Writer
  • Catherine N Phiri
    Producer
  • Mary K Phiri
    Producer
  • Natasha Phiri Munalula
    Producer
  • Cicely Faith Shebele
    Key Cast
    "Antoinette"
  • Mukuka Musonda
    Key Cast
    "Vanessa"
  • Angel Kolala
    Key Cast
  • Mutale Kataso
    Key Cast
    "Chichi"
  • Nathan Simunza
    Key Cast
    "Choolwe"
  • David Tupaki
    Key Cast
    "Michael"
  • Farai Mhlanga
    Key Cast
    "Joshua"
  • Chawana Muyembi
    Director of Photography
  • Sikela Manson
    Production Sound Recordist
  • Sampa Chileshe
    Script Supervisor/Continuity
  • Twaambo Bbuku
    Wardrobe Coordinator
  • Elizabeth Phiri
    Wardrobe Assistant
  • Angela Zulu
    Wardrobe Assistant
  • Daisy Chulu
    Wardrobe Assistant
  • WINC
    Makeup and Hair
  • Mary K Phiri
    Production Designer
  • Precious Chishala
    Art Coordinator
  • Aliya Makowane
    Set Designer
  • Mubitah Edwin Lang'ani
    Props Master
  • Gloria Shonga
    Set Dresser
  • Chileshe Katman Katongo
    Set Construction
  • Victor Shacholi
    Drone Pilots
  • Harrison K Chalila
    Drone Pilots
  • Victor Shacholi
    1st Camera Operator
  • Tisangalale Lipa
    2nd Camera Operator
  • Nampaka Shankwaya
    Camera Assistants
  • Steven Lungu
    Grips and Lighting
  • Venon Sandas
    Grips and Lighting
  • Danny Phiri
    Grips and Lighting
  • Katongo Katman Chileshe
    Gaffer
  • Luka Banda
    Best Boy Electrician
  • Joseph Chileshe
    Electrician
  • Alfred Msiska
    Boom Operator
  • Chef 187
    Music
  • Bombshell
    Music
  • Princess Natasha Chansa
    Music
  • Radio Cafe
    Music
  • Lupasha Nathan Chella
    Choreographer
  • Sarah Mutuna
    Production Coordinator (Admin and Finance)
  • Violet Phiri
    Production Assistant
  • Angel Phiri
    Production Assistant
  • Mukuka Mwewa
    Intern
  • Raymond Banda
    Set Runner
  • Innocent Chibaya
    Medic
  • John Chilufya
    Post Production Supervisor
  • John Chilufya
    Editor
  • John Chilufya
    Colorist
  • Jonathan Ndashe
    DIT
  • Jonathan Ndashe
    Motion Graphics
  • Radio Café
    Sound Design and Final Mix
  • Tenet Consulting Ltd
    IT Support Services
  • Mwenya and Mwitwa Advocates
    Legal
  • Project Type:
    Television, Web / New Media
  • Runtime:
    25 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 16, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    30,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Zambia
  • Country of Filming:
    Zambia
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • YouTube
    Country: Zambia
    Rights: All Rights, Internet
Director Biography - Harringtone Namunji, Muchemwa Sinkala

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.

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Director Statement

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.