Exclusive Interview with Zimbabwean World Renowned Filmmaker and Cinematographer, Angel Arts
Internationally acclaimed Denmark trained actor, filmmaker and cinematographer, Artwell Mukonyora -aka Angel Arts – has endeared viewers with his work since his return to his homeland in 2011. In this first ever question and answer interview with Ronnie Chisamba(R.C),Angel Arts(A.A) gives a glimpse into his professional and personal life.Below are excerpts of the interview:
R.C:Zimbabweans who follow the audio-visual music scene are now familiar with the name Angel Arts and the symbol of the capital letter ‘A’ on wings – your trademark . But, many would also be keen to know the man behind Angel Arts Productions.Who really is Angel Arts?
Artwell aka Angel Arts
A.A:My name is Artwell Mukonyora.
R.C:Can you give an insight into your life from childhood to date?
A.A:l was born in 1984 in Makoni, Rusape. My mom and dad divorced when l was little so l attended a number of schools before eventually relocating to Denmark in 1999 to live my mom, this was after my dad’s demise sometime in the ’90s. ln Denmark l attended acting school and enrolled at Copenhavn Teknisk Skole – a college in Copenhagen.At college l studied filmmaking, script writing, directing and editing. After graduating in 2009 l immediately established my company,Angel Arts Productions.As a filmmaker and producer in Denmark l had the opportunity to interview international artistes and groups such as Outlaws (American ),T.O.K (Jamaica),Barron Ricks(America),Black Milk(America)and Akil the MC (America) among a host of artistes.Upon my return to Zimbabwe in 2011 l initially had a daunting task in breaking on the local entertainment arena, this was mainly because local artistes were not familiar with my ways of making videos.lam excited to say that over the years l have managed to make my presence felt and l have produced musical videos for the likes of Stunner,Winky D, Rokki , BaShupi and most recently l have produced a video with Lindsay Midred Munyikwa. Lindsay’s video is for her hit song Makatendeka.
R.C:On a more personal note, how many are you in your family?
A.A:My mom has me and my young brother but l have four other step-siblings because my dad remarried after the divorce with my mom.So lam the first born in a family of 6.
R.C:Are you married?
A.A: Yes, l am very married (chuckles)and lam a father of of three: two girls and a boy.My first born is Angelie (13),the second is Kendrick (5) and the third and last born for now is Olivia (3).l have used the words the last born for now because l would like to have many kids (laughs)
R.C:How did you come up with the name Angel Arts?
A.A:Angel Arts is a product of the combination of 2 names Angel ,from my first born’s name – Angelie and Arts from my real name -Artwell.
R.C:That’s quite interesting .Thank you for elaborating on that.
R.C:Who is your source of inspiration in the film and entertainment industry?
A.A:My Swedish friend Jay Vizzualz, a video director ,is my source of inspiration.
Away from work, Angel Arts takes time to relax
R.C:What are the main challenges you have faced as a filmmaker and cinematographer in Zimbabwe and in Denmark?
A.A:The stumbling blocks l have faced in Zimbabwe are more to do with limited financial resources to produce quality videos. In this country filmmakers can not flap their wings because of the scarcity of funds.Lack of funds sometimes force filmmakers to improvise during production, resulting in low cost videos which comprise professionalism on the part of the filmmakers.
On the other hand in Denmark the main challenge is time management because a lot of employment opportunities are there and because one has to work to sustain his or her livelihood and investment in filmmaking. I used to work as porter at a hospital the job was very exhausting but at the end of the day l had to find time for my company – Angel Arts Productions.
In Denmark ,before you get recognition ,you have to be prepared to take filmmaking as a part-time job.
R.C:What distinguishes the film industry in Denmark from the film industry in this country?
A.A:Film industry in Denmark is very easy in terms of logistics, locations and many other fundamentals to do with production. But, sad to say in this country in the film industry – like in many other spheres of life – it all gets back to who you are, who you know and how much you are willing to pay to get things done.
R.C:What do you think has to be done to uplift the film and entertainment industry in this county?
A.A:In my opinion the industry is still in its infancy and a lot has to be done to nurture and facilitate its continued growth. We (filmmakers) spend sleepless nights trying to ensure that the audience get the best products.We need a lot of support from the relevant government ministry and the cooperate world.
R.C:What do you have in store for the Zimbabwe film and entertainment scene in the future?
A.A:Well,l can not disclose much but there is definitely a big surprise coming in the near future.
Angel Arts at work
R.C:Do you plan on staying in this country forever?
A.A:l love my country a lot ,my work will take me places but l will definitely come back home.
R.C:Having worked with celebrated names in the entertainment industry can you say you have reached the height of your career?
A.A:l believe l still have a lot to offer to the industry and to answer your question :no l have not reached the peek of my career yet.
R.C:Any parting words to upcoming and aspiring filmmakers and cinematographer?
A.A:I just want to say that if you believe you can make it then go for it!l believe if you are committed and dedicated to achieving your goals then in the end you will enjoy the fruits of your labour.
