Harare, (New Ziana) – The debut Nollywood film of popular comedian and media influencer, Felistas Murata, will premiere in Harare on September 27.
The film, Lost in Ashes, was directed and produced by Murata alongside Iyke Odife, and is based largely on her own life experiences and features an ensemble of Nollywood heavyweights, including Mike Godson, Mike Ezuruonye, Chinyere Wilfred, Anita Joseph and Patrick Ezeike, among others
In a statement, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) said Murata has since registered with the country’s body, established to promote and develop the arts and culture sector.
“Zimbabwean icon Felistas Murata, popularly known as Mai Titi, a celebrated comedian and culture influencer, continues her artistic ascent with an exciting Nollywood debut. Her new feature film, Lost in Ashes, is scheduled to premiere in Harare on September 27, 2025, at Westgate Cinemas, a red-carpet event that celebrates creative collaboration across African borders.
“Against this backdrop of personal narrative and cross-cultural partnership, Mai Titi is now a formally registered practitioner and has collected her registration certificate from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) under the Film and Digital Arts category, and met with the NACZ chief executive officer Napoleon Nyanhi,” the NACZ said.
Nyanhi challenged artists in the Zimbabwean creative community to formalize with the arts body.
He said: “I was very happy to see Mai Titi recognising the value of registration with the NACZ. Over the last six months, many artists have started formalizing their craft through registration, and this gives them validity and viability when operating in professional circles. By embracing the legal framework under Statutory Instrument 87 of 2006, we are growing the Creative and Culture Industry (CCI), aligning with national development goals, including the National Development Strategy-1 (NDS-1) and Vision 2030.”
The NACZ also highlighted the benefits that creatives and cultural practitioners across the arts spectrum can enjoy when they are registered.
“All promoters, (including venues, trustees, studios, and event managers), arts groups, solo artists, and arts associations across diverse genres, whether music, theatre, film, dance, visual arts, literature, fashion or digital media, are reminded that formal registration offers critical advantages that include legal recognition and credibility, access to Government support and funding, opportunities for institutional partnerships, professional development and networking, contribution to policy and sector development and support in resolving industry challenges.
“Official status under SI 87 of 2006 grants legitimacy, boosting your standing among peers, clients, and funding bodies. Registered creatives become eligible for government grants, assistance with equipment imports (duty-free facility on importation of recording and broadcasting equipment), visa application facilitation, support letters and references, and other facilitative services. Registration unlocks eligibility to collaborate with government agencies, international cultural bodies, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) seeking formal partners.
“In addition, artists gain access to NACZ-led workshops, sector forums, and platforms that support capacity-building, innovation, and networking opportunities. Joining NACZ strengthens the collective voice of the creative sector in shaping national cultural policy, strategies, and the realization of Vision 2030. The NACZ has demonstrated its commitment to sector welfare, and is in partnership with a legal organisation that provides free legal representation to registered artists on IP issues, showing advocacy that protects creatives’ interests,” the arts body stated.
New Ziana
