Shaina is a Zimbabwe film released in 2020 following the success of “Inside Story” and “Lucky Specials” which are United States Agency for International Development (USAID) projects. Shaina movie premiered on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC TV) on 21 August 2020, premiered on YouTube on the 11th of September 2020 and became available on Netflix in November 2023.
The story is based on the leading character named Shine played by Wilmah Munemera, a teenager in Zimbabwe who has a knack for making something out of nothing and could have a promising future as an engineer, except for the fact that she doesn’t believe in herself.
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When she and her best friends Faro played by Tadiwanashe Tsitsi Marowa, Stella played by Gamu Mukwakwami and Busi played by Tarumbidzwa Chirume are faced with a host of grown-up problems – loss of loved ones, overdue exam fees and the curse of “blessers” – they come close to giving up.
Their story is one of forgiveness and friendship, of creating a new family from the people who love you, and of the very real power to be found in girls supporting girls. It’s a story about resilience.
Shaina the film was part of a media initiative to empower adolescent girls and young women in Sub-Saharan Africa by USAID. The movie features young and veteran actors such as Jessie Mungoshi, Edmore Sandifolo, Marian Kunonga, Tarumbidzwa Chirume, Leroy Gopal, Gamu Mukwakwami, Charmaine Mujeri, and Wilmah Munemera.
The movie was produced by Quizzical Pictures, written by Wanisai Chigwendere, and directed by Beautie Masvaure. The movie tells an evocative story of a group of friends who encounter life-changing obstacles that mirror the day-to-day challenges faced by many adolescent girls in Zimbabwe.
USAID Zimbabwe’s Mission Director, Mr. Art Brown had this to say about the movie;
Shaina the film was part of a media initiative to empower adolescent girls and young women in Sub-Saharan Africa by USAID. The movie features young and veteran actors such as Jessie Mungoshi, Edmore Sandifolo, Marian Kunonga, Tarumbidzwa Chirume, Leroy Gopal, Gamu Mukwakwami, Charmaine Mujeri, and Wilmah Munemera.
The movie was produced by Quizzical Pictures, written by Wanisai Chigwendere, and directed by Beautie Masvaure. The movie tells an evocative story of a group of friends who encounter life-changing obstacles that mirror the day-to-day challenges faced by many adolescent girls in Zimbabwe.
USAID Zimbabwe’s Mission Director, Mr. Art Brown had this to say about the movie;
I am very proud of our contribution to empowering young women in Zimbabwe through messages such as the one reflected in Shaina’s dynamic storyline. It entertains while providing helpful tools and information about health issues and social challenges faced by adolescent girls and young women in Zimbabwe.
United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe and HeforShe Ambassador, Brian A. Nichols applauded the movie;
Shaina draws attention to the obstacle and violence young girls sadly shoulder every day as they seek to fulfill their dreams. At the same time, it celebrates the innovative nature of young Zimbabweans, even in the face of this challenging environment. This film truly has it all.
Wilmah Munemera who plays the lead role of Shaina added;
I feel quite responsible because these things are real. They are issues that you ignore because you are not going through them. Acting it out, you realize that you are not only doing it for yourself but for all other girls that are going through it.
You can watch it below;