Bonus: RISE (2025) - Tobias Mupfuti Interview

I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival! 

Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Sikhanyiso Ngwenya.

In this episode, I share my interview with Tobias Mupfuti. 

🎧🎙️ Up next: My interview with Director of Photography, Jacques Naudé

For more information: 

Victoria Falls Boxing Academy & Children's Home: https://victoriafallsboxingacademy.com/about-us/

Website: https://risezimbabwe.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rise.zimbabwe

Cast & Credits

Directed and Written by Jessica J. Rowlands

Producer

Joe Njagu

Cinematographer

Jacques Naudé

Composer

Max Uldahl

Editor

Paul Watts, Roman Kuznets

Executive Producer

Tobias Mupfuti, Tongayi Chirisa, Elizabeth Morse Gilcreast, Barbara Lettieri, Juliette Duran

Key Production Team

Joe Njagu, Nakai Matema, Leonard Matsa, Philip Marumha, Taurai Kawara, Wilson Biswell

Camera/Lighting Team

Jacques Naudé, Diogo Domingues, Farai Chimombe, Gregory Shambare, Nigel Ncube

Art Department & Sound

Mmeli Mabhikwa, Kelli Barker, Kundai Mandivheyi, Chelsea Mangwiro, Kuda Sombi, Simon

Original Vocals & Music

Hope Masike, Tawanda T Maoneni, Mokoomba, David HD Hondoyedzomba, Leo Magozz, Jah

Cast

Tongayi Chirisa, Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, Edmet Dube, Kelvin Taliana, Cilemeko Tickey Mudenda, Charles Ndlovu, Prudence Mubaiwa, Samson Mdimba, Phineas Makuvaza, Tobias Mupfuti

Contacts

International Sales + US Contact

Jessica Rowlands
Rise Zimbabwe Ltd
Victoria Falls, 263
Phone: +447956619515
jessicajrowlands@gmail.com

Press Contact

Jessica Rowlands
Rise Zimbabwe Ltd
Victoria Falls, 263
Phone: +447956619515
jessicajrowlands@gmail.com

#ZimExcellence #RISEFilm #Tribeca2025 #ZimbabweToTheWorld

Transcript

[upbeat music plays] 

Intro: Yo! Welcome to the party! Hello! Makadini. Salibonani. My name is Vongai and you’re listening to ZimExcellence, a weekly celebration of Zimbabwe’s changemakers and trailblazers. So here’s the secret y’all Zimbabweans are actually DOPE AF and it’s just time that we recognize it. So grab yourself a plate of sadza, grab that Stoney ginger beer and let the party begin! 

Hello and welcome to another episode of ZimExcellence, in case you missed it this is a special bonus series that I am doing to celebrate and also help promote the short film RISE. In case you missed the previous episodes in this series, I shared my thoughts on RISE making it’s World Premiere and history as the first ever Zimbabwean film to debut at the Tribeca Film Festival and audience members thoughts. Today I am sharing my bitesize interview with Tobias Mupfuti who is both an executive producer and  the inspiration behind the film. 

Tobias is the head boxing coach at Victoria Falls Boxing Academy and Children’s Home near where the film is set.

Tobias Mupfuti, once a vulnerable child abandoned by his parents, found himself navigating the perilous streets of Zimbabwe. In a world where safety was fleeting and basic needs were a daily battle, Tobias learned the harsh realities of survival. Each day brought new challenges: finding shelter, securing food, and striving for dignity in a life fraught with danger.

Yet, within this struggle, a fire ignited in him—a passion for boxing that became both an escape and a sanctuary. The ring, with its demands and discipline, mirrored his life’s relentless fight. Each punch he threw was not just a blow against an opponent; it was a testament to his tenacity and an embodiment of his journey from the streets to success. His natural talent and unwavering dedication led him to become a revered boxing coach and the proud Founder and Head Coach of the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy and Children’s Home.

But even as he achieved success, the shadows of his past lingered, reminding him of the countless children who still faced the struggles he once did. This connection to his own history fueled his desire to make a difference.

Today, Tobias and his wife, Shuvai, have transformed their love for boxing into a beacon of hope for the orphaned children of Victoria Falls. With limited resources, they open their hearts and home, welcoming these children as if they were their own. Each child is embraced with warmth, care, and the promise of a brighter future.

The Academy is dedicated to empowering youth through the transformative art of boxing. They provide a safe haven for disadvantaged children, nurturing their talents while instilling discipline and fostering a strong sense of community. While the Children’s Home offers shelter, education, and hope, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. As per their website, “We believe in the power of sport to change lives, and we strive to create a positive impact, one punch at a time. Join us in making a difference and helping the next generation reach their full potential.” For anyone who would like to know more, I’ll be sure to leave details in the show notes. 

Before I cue up the audio, I would like for y’all to keep in mind that this quick soundbites was recorded outside a busy restaurant. My button mics have voice cancellation but I was not able to do a proper soundtest but I think it just adds a little something to the ambiance. Anyway without further ado, here is Tobias Mupfuti. 

https://victoriafallsboxingacademy.com/about-us/

Outro: Mazvita. Tatenda. Siyabonga. Thank you so much for tuning in to this week’s episode of ZimExcellence.  If you found value from this episode please share it with a friend and go ahead and subscribe, rate and review. 

If you send me a screenshot of your review I’ll make sure to give you a shoutout on future episodes. Feel free to tag us on Instagram. @zimexcellencepodcast

And if you identify as Zimbabwean I want to hear your story so go ahead and email zimexcellencepodcast@gmail.com. Til then have the best week and stay ZimExcellent!