The film The Bad Bishop will be screened from Friday to Sunday (30 August to 1 September) at the library auditorium in Thohoyandou, giving local residents a unique opportunity to see the work of one of the region’s top film producers.
The film was released on 19 July this year and has been screened nationwide as well as in countries such as Zambia. It is the brainchild of 41-year-old Phumudzo Ndwambi, who hails from Tshivhulana in Vuwani. He is the founder of Nguluvhe Productions and co-founder of The Time Bomb, the producers of the film.
Ndwambi has been in the film industry since 2008 and holds, among other qualifications, a diploma in sound engineering and an introduction to TV and film production. “I worked for many companies as a freelancer until I established my own company, Nguluvhe Productions,” said Ndwambi.
He explained that he was inspired by industry figures such as Shandukani Nesengani, Rudzani Dzuguda, and Chester Ramulifho.
“The idea of shooting a film came about in 2021, after a lot of brainstorming sessions,” he continued. The initial concept was to produce a reality show, but it gradually developed into a full-length film based on true events. The theme focuses on the current happenings in churches, where fake pastors perform fake miracles and deceive people in the name of God.
“The film was shot in 2021 in Venda, and it took us two months to complete," he said. The production team enlisted seasoned actors such as Dumisani Mbebe, who plays the role of Pastor Bororo, and Bongani Gumede, who portrays the character Magold. Other actors include Dineo Ntshabeleng, Vuyisile Mqwashu (Khaya), and many more.
"We decided to shoot the film in Venda to create opportunities for local filmmakers to utilise the area. Here, we have many locations where we can shoot without disturbance, while also creating job opportunities for local individuals and businesses,” he said.
Ndwambi added that they expected a full house this weekend and promised the cinema-starved community a five-star experience.
For more information and opportunities in his production house, he can be contacted at (083) 363-2099.
