God Sleeps On Sundays
A Film by Naishe Nyamubaya
Starring Leroy Siyafa, Tendaiishe Chitima, Wizzy Mangoma
Logline & Synopsis
LOGLINE: A fierce rivalry erupts between a traditional healer and a Christian preacher who is hellbent on building his church on her land.
Short Synopsis
James, a preacher who has fallen from grace after a corruption scandal in the city, is assigned to build a new church in a distant rural community where no one knows him. Accompanied by his wife Mavis, James views this as a second chance for himself and his family. However, the major obstacle in his way is a staunch, revered traditional healer named Chirongoma, who already inhabits the land bought by the church. The rivalry between James and Chirongoma slowly escalates leading to a final deadly confrontation that threatens to destroy both of them.
Long Synopsis
James, a preacher who has fallen from grace after a corruption scandal in the city, is assigned to build a new church in a distant rural community where no one knows him. Accompanied by his wife Mavis, James views this as a second chance for himself and his family. However, the major obstacle in his way is a staunch, revered traditional healer named Chirongoma, who already inhabits the land bought by the church.
The rivalry between James and Chirongoma slowly escalates. When James brings a court order to remove Chirongoma, she ignores it. When James brings in the chief and the police, they are too afraid of the traditional healer. When James' builders and construction materials are due to arrive, Chirongoma summons rain to halt construction. The rivalry turns even uglier as Chirongoma is determined to break James' faith. She taunts him to prove that his god is real and even helps James and Mavis with conceiving a child. James slowly descends into madness at Chirongoma's resolve, leading to a final deadly confrontation that threatens to destroy both of them.
Director Statement
Naishe Nyamubaya fell in love with storytelling at a young age as a means of amusing himself and his single mother at their remote home in the wilderness. Returning home to tell the stories of his people, God Sleeps On Sundays explores deep-rooted themes of faith, power, and traditional values in contemporary African society.
— Naishe Nyamubaya
Cast
Leroy Siyafa
plays JAMES
Dubbed by GQ as a rising star in global entertainment, Zimbabwean-born Leroy Siyafa made his debut on Netflix's Blood & Water and Showtime's King Shaka. In God Sleeps On Sundays, he delivers a powerful performance as a preacher whose descent into obsession threatens to consume him.
Tendaiishe Chitima
plays MAVIS
Tendaiishe is a UCT Film & Drama graduate best known for her award-winning lead role in Cook Off (Rotterdam 2018). She plays Mavis, James' wife, who navigates the quiet strain of starting over in an unforgiving environment.
Wizzy Mangoma
plays CHIRONGOMA
Wizzy Mangoma is a Zimbabwean author, film professional, and creative designer. She portrays Chirongoma, the formidable traditional healer whose unwavering connection to her land tests the boundaries of faith.
Key Filmmakers
Naishe Nyamubaya (Writer / Director): Valedictorian post-graduate in Motion Picture, alumni of Cannes Cinéfondation L'Atelier, TIFF Filmmaker Lab, Durban FilmMart, Red Sea Lodge, and Locarno Open Doors.
Sue-Ellen Chitunya (Producer): Academy Member, Roger & Chaz Ebert Fellow, with credits including Marvel Studios' Avengers: Endgame and Black Panther.
Yara Shahidi & Keri Shahidi (Executive Producers): Founders of 7th Sun Productions, executive producers supporting bold African voices and stories on the global stage.
Jah Prayzah (Composer): Renowned MTV Africa Music Award recipient blending traditional Shona sounds with contemporary Afrobeats for the film's score.
Screenings & Festivals
- International Film Festival Rotterdam (World Premiere)
- Maryland Film Festival (USA Premiere)
- Festival de Cine Africano de Tarifa-Tánger (Spain Premiere)
- Sydney Film Festival (Australian Premiere)
- Zanzibar International Film Festival (African Premiere)
- Accra Indie Film Festival (Ghana Premiere)
- BlackStar Film Festival & Sidewalk Film Festival
Awards & Nominations
- Accra Indie Film Festival: Best Screenplay (WINNER)
- Accra Indie Film Festival: Best Actress - Tendaiishe Chitima (WINNER)
- FCAT Spain: Jury Special Mention
- NAMA Awards (Zimbabwe): Outstanding Short Film (WINNER)
- NAMA Awards (Zimbabwe): Outstanding Actor - Leroy Siyafa (WINNER)
Technical Specifications
- Shooting Format: 4K High Definition
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Audio Format: 5.1
- Video Format: Digital (Color)
- Screening Format: 2D DCP
