Mr Marwizi got in touch with my parents and told them about the opportunity to work with MSU on some projects and we were excited and definitely up for it. For Starters, i had no clear path or strategy to take with this whole animation gig so literally anything would have been good enough, and Despite the Television Interview (link: read here) and the 29th Day at O.D.O.L (link: read here),  I personally was still confused about the future and had many doubts. Also, i had been accepted to Vancouver Film School and needed to raise funds for School Fees, however my plans of Selling my First Professional Production, Untouchable, as a means to raise School fees didn’t work out as it turns out the economy and the TV stations in the country would not permit that to happen. However, i would not be slowed down by circumstances. 

So when this new opportunity arose it wouldn’t hurt trying. I remember travelling to Gweru and praying about the interview, while also thinking about my future. 

As if battling my own doubts and insecurities was not enough, i had to deal with nasty comments from other people who did not approve of Animation as a career path.

Who ever said, ” Sticks and Stones can hurt my bones but words can never hurt me” clearly never met people who had the harsh words that i came across, but thats another story for another time.

I arrived and was hosted by a Pastor from my Church, the Kwangwari’s.  The following day, i met up with Mr Marwizi and we made our way to MSU for our interview.

I won’t lie to you, i was very nervous, shy and whatever little confidence i had i seemed to have left it by the gate.

We made our way inside and were directed to the Media and Social Studies faculty where were to meet Professor Mhiripiri, the Dean of the Media Department at that time. I remember just sitting beside Mr Marwizi and watched as the 2 adults spoke about the department and what it could be. 

Professor Mhiripiri then mentioned that the Department had already interviewed someone and they were very happy with his work and were most likely going to give him the job. My insides collapsed as it was starting to seem as if i had already been denied without even getting the opportunity to try! However, Mr Marwizi was persistent and urged the Professor to at least look at the work. After many minutes of negotiating, Professor Mhiripiri finally agreed to see what i had to offer, I then played to him the Kakic Universe Animation reel version for that time, and at the 15 second mark he abruptly paused the video. Picked up his office desk phone and dialed a number.

These were his exact words,”Hello, stop the lesson, there is something i want you and the students to see!”.

He quickly got up and asked us to follow him and we did so. I was confused at that state but i didnt even know that i had passed the interview without even saying a single word!