Impact(Ed) International and Quizzical Pictures are delighted to receive a Peabody Nomination for their film Shaina.
Shaina is the story of a Zimbabwean teenager, Shine, who in the face of life-altering events is forced to rely on her ingenuity, determination and the support of her friends in order to face her future.
It was produced by Siphiwe Hlabangane, written by Wanisai Chigwendere and directed by Beautie Masvaure Alt, who drew on her own experiences to bring an authentic world to life and genuine performances from her cast. “I took advantage of the fact that I knew these issues very well – through friends, through family – to ensure that this movie belongs to young people – and not just in Zimbabwe – but across the continent. This is their story.”
The film was shot in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Led by Wilmah Munemera in the title role, the film introduces audiences to a lineup of brand-new Zimbabwean talent with cameos from some of Zimbabwe’s best-known faces, such as Jesese Mungoshi, Eddie Sandifolo and Charmaine Mujeri.
The film deals with complex issues around relationships – from romantic to transactional – and attempts to answer questions about how young women can find a path for themselves in the face of economic pressures, health issues and toxic masculinity. Impact(Ed) International’s Executive Producer Aric Noboa said, “We are thrilled that Peabody has chosen to honor this film as it instills in young woman (and young men) a growth mindset essential to stand up to harmful gender norms and seek out healthy choices. We are also grateful to the USAID for sponsoring such an innovative approach to positive social change.”
The Peabody Awards are considered by many to be the gold-standard of all television awards. Honoring “excellence in storytelling that reflects the social issues of the day”, the awards celebrate work which “defends the public interest, encourages empathy with others and expands our understanding of the world around us.”
Shaina has been nominated for a Peabody Award! 🏆
The prestigious program highlights the best storytelling across media. We are so thankful to be nominated and super proud of the amazing team who came together to work their magic ✨ on this movie. @PeabodyAwards pic.twitter.com/Mdovm3Kcc7
— Shaina The Movie (@MovieShaina) May 6, 2021
Producer Siphiwe Hlabangane is honoured to be included in a list of remarkable nominees. “We set out to make a movie that would entertain, but that would also go beyond that to create meaningful impact in the communities with which it was created. This nomination affirms that vision and I wish to thank our incredibly hard-working team that brought Shaina to life.”
Established by Discovery, Inc., Impact(Ed) International delivers groundbreaking media to create social change at the individual and community level so young people can reach their full potential. Impact(Ed) uses a unique creative process bringing together the best of storytelling, human-centered design, neuroscience, and marketing to create compelling media at the nexus of entertainment and impact. From TV chat shows to feature films to animated shorts, their award-winning productions have broadcast to a cumulative audience of over 800 million across more than 22 countries.
Quizzical Pictures, one of South Africa’s most celebrated drama production companies previously won a Peabody Award for Intersexions. They are known for telling resonant stories with a strong social impact agenda.
Image Courtesy: Supplied