27/04/2026
*LASPER: I WRITE, PLAN AND SHOOT CONSISTENTLY*
By Elias Muonde_
It takes years, sometimes a whole lifetime, for the average filmmaker in Zimbabwe to finally see their ideas get transformed from paper to the screen.
It's an arduous journey of patience, waiting, dreaming, planning and knocking on doors. Many storytellers find their breakthrough late in life, some leave behind drawers full of manuscripts at the end of their time- untouched, unrealized.
For Tafadzwa "Lasper" Ncube, the story reads differently though.
At just 30 years of age with only a year's experience in the industry, the young storyteller has produced and released over a dozen movies on YouTube - fourteen actually, excluding short length productions.
Born and raised in Zhombe in the Midlands province of Zimbabwe, Ncube later moved to Shamva in Mashonaland Central for his high school education.
He fell in love with the art of storytelling during the early years of highschool, crafting his storylines around themes of culture, faith and everyday lived experiences.
He has been writing and piling up stories, until sometime in April 2025, when he decided it was about time those characters on paper came to life on the screen.
Taking a bold leap, he launched a production stable to get things rolling: Lasper Films.
Since then, the production outfit has been popping content like corn, and has no intentions of stopping anytime soon.
Apart from writing, producing and directing films, Ncube is also an active Gospel musician who has shared the mic with some of the top crop in Zimbabwe's Gospel music community.
Xavier Magazine contributor Elias Muonde (*EM*) sought an exclusive interview with the Lasper Films boss, Takudzwa Lasper Ncube ( *TLN*) to unthread the story behind the story of what could be Zimbabwe's most industrious storyteller by far, if that impressive filmography is anything to go by.
*EM:* Fourteen films written and produced within the span of a year! How the hell do you do it?
*TLN:* Passion is the engine. I want filmmaking to be my full-time career, so I treat it like one. I write, plan, and shoot consistently. Discipline and love for the craft is how we’ve done fourteen films in just over a year.
*EM:* What type of stories do you tell?
*TLN:* I don’t box myself into one genre. I do action, drama, horror, and African cultural stories. But my heart is in stories that teach. I always aim for a strong message while keeping it entertaining — I want the audience hooked and already waiting for the next one before the credits roll.
*EM:* What's the primary distribution platform for your productions?
*TLN:* Our primary platform is YouTube under Lasper Films. It’s free, accessible, and global, which helps us reach Zimbabweans and the diaspora. We also use Facebook, X, TikTok, and Instagram for trailers, clips, and behind-the-scenes to build audience engagement. Full features live on YouTube.
*EM:* Do you own gear as Lasper Films?
*TLN:* Yes, we own our basic production gear — cameras, audio, and lighting. We started with what we could afford and reinvested every project back into equipment. For bigger scenes we sometimes rent or partner with other creatives, but Lasper Films is building a self-sufficient kit step by step.
*EM:* How do you finance your productions?
*TLN:* We’re 100% self-funded for now. We use 3 methods: (1)Monthly subscriptions from Lasper Films members. (2)Project contributions — we break down the budget and each member takes an item they can cover.
(3)In-film adverts — we approach business owners, feature their brand in the movie, and they sponsor that portion of production.
We don’t have outside sponsors yet. Everyone who supports us gets value in return.
*EM:* Your thoughts about film school — a must have or a time/resource waster?
*TLN:* Film school is valuable, but it’s not the only path. It gives structure, network, and technique. But film is also a practical art — you learn most by doing. For me, the set has been my school. I believe in learning from every source: YouTube, mentors, watching films critically, and shooting. So I’d say film school is a _plus_, not a _must_. If you can’t afford it, don’t let that stop you. Start creating, stay teachable, and your work will be your certificate.
*EM:* You are also seriously involved in music and dance. With such a full platter in your hand, don't you sometimes feel creatively overwhelmed or drained?
*TLN:* Sometimes I do feel overwhelmed, I won’t lie. But not to the point of quitting. I’m young, I’ve got energy, and I’m deeply passionate about all three — film, music, and dance. They actually feed each other. Dance helps me with movement for film, music helps with scoring, and film gives all of them a platform. I’m using this season of strength to build as much as I can.
*EM:* Who do you think is currently the "Quentin Tarantino" of filmmaking in Zimbabwe?
*TLN:* If by “Quentin Tarantino” you mean a filmmaker with a bold, distinct voice and influence, locally I’d say Slimaz Pro. His style, work ethic, and impact on the current generation stand out. He’s pushing boundaries and proving that Zimbabwean film can be both raw and cinematic.
*EM:* South African film industry or Nollywood, what do you vibe with more and why?
*TLN:* I follow and learn from both. Nollywood’s output and storytelling work ethic is unmatched — they’ve built a global audience by being consistent. But I vibe slightly more with South Africa right now. Their technical quality, cinematography, and performance level feel closer to Hollywood standards. The actors, gear, and production design show serious intent. Both inspire Lasper Films, but SA is the benchmark we’re studying closely.
*EM:* And finally; bottom line and checks; are you making money with your films — yet?
*TLN:* Not yet, and we’re honest about that. The little money we get from in-film adverts goes straight back into the next project, and it’s usually not enough to cover full budgets. So we still do member contributions to complete films. Right now we’re investing — in gear, in audience, in skill. The goal is to build a catalog and brand strong enough that the money will follow. We’re playing the long game.
There goes a practical example of walking the talk. The method might not be without flaws, but in a digital market where content is game, relevancy is sustained by continuous output.
"Thou shalt produce and produce and produce" seems to be the commandment by which the team from Lasper Films abide.
And produce they do. By the time this article reaches the reader, their filmography could have hit FIFTEEN.
Their latest project, "Hari: The Sacred Clay Pot" was released 26 April 2026.
Do you have an interesting story? Contact us now!
