This GoFundMe is to support the production of an exciting new film!

The film, titled “Dowry of Deceit,” is an African whodunnit. When the money goes missing at her roora (dowry) ceremony, everyone is a suspect. The bride is forced to question the motives, loyalties, and secrets of everyone she thought she could trust.

Many of you know me as a college professor and researcher, known for my work exploring Africa’s socio-cultural and political landscapes, with a focus on themes such as identity and conflict. I bring this background into my storytelling as a filmmaker, merging academic insight with creative vision to illuminate narratives that are both authentic and thought-provoking.

For generations, African stories in film have been told through a Western gaze, often reducing complex histories and identities to simplistic tropes. As someone who has dedicated my academic life to studying these nuances, I am committed to reclaiming and amplifying African perspectives on screen.

I’ll be traveling to Zimbabwe later this summer to shoot, working with a team of talented local filmmakers, and a dynamic cast and capturing a story that was very exciting to write. While I’ve secured some support, I still need help covering key expenses like travel, production costs, and ensuring our team has the resources to make this project the best it can be.

What is the Film about?

Dowry of Deceit is a captivating blend of suspense, family drama, and romance, combining the intrigue of an Agatha Christie whodunit with the depth of African storytelling. When the money goes missing at her roora (dowry) ceremony, everyone is a suspect. The bride is forced to question the motives, loyalties and secrets of everyone she thought she could trust. Set in Zimbabwe, the film aims to authentically explore love, culture, trust, and betrayal while delving into the universal struggle to balance tradition and modernity.

Why This Story Matters

This project is dedicated to preserving and elevating the art of African storytelling while delivering a universal message that resonates with audiences worldwide. With your support, Dowry of Deceit can come to life as a powerful narrative that educates, entertains, and inspires. At its core, this story is a cultural reckoning that unpacks the complexities of relationships, the weight of tradition, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

For generations, African stories in film have been filtered through a Western gaze, often reducing intricate histories and identities to oversimplified tropes. As a scholar dedicated to studying these nuances, I am committed to reclaiming and amplifying authentic African perspectives on screen, ensuring that our stories are told with the depth, richness, and integrity they deserve.

Why This Story Needs Your Support

Creating a film as rich and compelling as Dowry of Deceit requires time, resources, and a deep commitment to authenticity. This project is more than just a creative endeavor; it’s a mission to celebrate and amplify African storytelling on a global scale.

Here’s why your support is crucial:

Preserving Cultural Heritage: African cinema is a vibrant tapestry of wisdom, humor, and moral lessons, yet it remains underrepresented on the global stage. By supporting Dowry of Deceit, you are championing the power of African storytelling and helping to bring its richness to a wider audience.

Fostering Representation: Representation matters. Stories like Dowry of Deceit provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, enriching the global entertainment landscapes. Your support will help bring an authentic African narrative to the forefront, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse world of storytelling.

Inspiring Conversations: The themes explored in Dowry of Deceit are universal: trust, betrayal, family dynamics, intergenerational conflict, and the clash between tradition and modernity. This story has the potential to spark meaningful conversations about culture, relationships, and morality, creating a lasting impact on its audience.

Empowering Emerging Creators: By supporting this project, you’re also encouraging and empowering emerging creators who are passionate about telling unique and impactful stories. Your contribution will not only bring Dowry of Deceit to life but also pave the way for future projects that celebrate creativity and diversity.

How Your Contributions Will be Used

Your generosity will directly contribute to the production and promotion of Dowry of Deceit, ensuring that this powerful African story is brought to the screen with authenticity and excellence. Here’s a breakdown of how the funds will be used:

Production & Filming

Support Cast & Crew – While many have committed to taking this opportunity on a pro bono basis, they will need resources to help them bring the story’s vision to light.

Equipment & Locations – Funds will go toward renting high-quality cameras, lighting, and sound equipment, as well as securing authentic village locations that enhance the film’s realism.

Set Design & Costumes – To accurately represent the cultural setting, we’ll invest in traditional attire, props, and production design elements that reflect the richness of African heritage.

Post-Production

Editing & Sound Design – A skilled post-production team will handle editing, color grading, and sound mixing to ensure a polished and immersive final product.

Original Score & Music Licensing – To capture the film’s emotional depth and cultural authenticity, we will work with African composers and musicians to create an evocative soundtrack.

Marketing & Distribution

Film Festival Submissions – We will submit Dowry of Deceit to international film festivals, including Pan-African and global showcases, to maximize visibility.

Digital & Theatrical Release – Your support will help with distribution costs, including streaming platforms, community screenings, and potential theatrical runs in Zimbabwe.

Promotional Campaign – A strong marketing push will include trailers, posters, social media campaigns, and press outreach to engage a worldwide audience.

Cultural Consultation & Research

Authenticity & Representation – We will collaborate with cultural experts, historians, and local storytellers to ensure the film accurately reflects African traditions, folklore, and customs.

Join Us on This Journey

We can’t do this without you. Your support, whether through a donation or by sharing this campaign with your network, will make all the difference. Together, we can bring Dowry of Deceit to life and share its powerful message with the world.