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Award-winning filmmaker Tendayi Nyeke is set to premiere her debut independent feature film, Loved Out, in South Africa on September 26, with releases scheduled for Zimbabwe and Zambia on November 28 click here for information about available cinemas
Nyeke, who has worked with major studios including Netflix Animation and Disney+, is making her first independent mark in live-action cinema after more than 15 years of producing award-winning projects in both live action and animation.
In an interview with Zimcelebs, Nyeke shared that stepping into her first independent feature was both daunting and rewarding. “This was my first independent movie and I was scared, but everything went well,” she said. She added that the project created over 100 jobs, highlighting its role in contributing to the creative economy.
The film’s synopsis follows the story of an ambitious entrepreneur and content creator who takes over her mother’s restaurant. As she juggles her mother’s kidnapping, a failing marriage, and a high-stakes social media contest that could define her career, she faces mounting pressure from dangerous gangsters threatening her dreams. The protagonist must risk everything to save both her future and her family.
Nyeke, who served as executive producer of the Disney+ African sci-fi anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire—named one of the LA Times’ top five animated shows of 2023—said Loved Out is particularly significant as it expands her work beyond animation into personal storytelling in film.
“I wanted to tell a story that felt relatable but also urgent,” Nyeke explained. “It’s about love, ambition, pressure, and survival, themes that resonate with so many people in Africa today.”
There has been a growing number of short films in Zimbabwe recently, the director emphasized that the film industry in Zimbabwe holds potential but requires greater investment and support. “There is more that can be done for the industry in Zimbabwe,” she said. “We have talent and stories, but the infrastructure and support systems need to be stronger.”
Her film comes at a time when African cinema is gaining increased recognition on global platforms. Nyeke has previously worked with Triggerfish Animation, an Emmy Award-winning studio, and currently serves as co-producer on a Netflix Animation feature film.
She said her journey from working with global studios to releasing an independent film was motivated by her desire to amplify African voices and stories. “I’ve always believed creativity should celebrate who we are, and with Loved Out, I wanted to do exactly that in live-action,” she said.
The film’s release in Zimbabwe and Zambia later this year is expected to draw attention to local cinemas, where independent African films often struggle for visibility. Nyeke said she hopes this release will encourage more African audiences to support homegrown cinema
Her earlier achievements include producing Tribe, an independent film that was selected for MIFA in 2022 and highlighted by Cartoon Brew as one of the most anticipated films in development. These milestones, coupled with her Emmy, Annie, and SAFTA recognitions, have solidified her reputation as one of Africa’s leading creative voices.
Loved Out adds another layer to Nyeke’s diverse body of work. While her career has spanned television, animation, and global collaborations, this film reflects her personal investment in stories rooted in everyday African struggles and triumphs.
