Cook Off

[1] Set in contemporary middle class society of Harare, the film stars Tendaiishe Chitima, Fungai Majaya and Tehn Diamond.

[2] Production of the film was constantly hit with power failures, budget constraints, anti-government protests and riots which erupted during the final stages of the Presidency of Robert Mugabe.

The daily budget limit was estimated around $20 equivalent to 18 euros which was insufficient to meet the expenditure on bottled mineral water.

The film cast and crew consisted mostly of young artistes and film producer Njagu reportedly made deferred contracts with the cast and crew members instead of making an agreement for an immediate payment due to financial tussles.

Popular UK indie rock band Noisettes was roped into feature in the soundtrack of the film.

[15] The shooting was also delayed on few occasions as few of the cast members were unable to commit to the schedule allocated to them due to the tear gas and riots in Harare which erupted against Robert Mugabe's administration.

[16] Despite the odds and obstacles, the film production regained momentum after the infamous successful ousting of Robert Mugabe on 17 November 2017.

[22] The film had its London premiere at the Mayfair Hotel on 27 July 2019 and also featured in BBC World Service.

[29] The film made its debut in Netflix on 1 June 2020 after two and a half years since its theatrical release in Zimbabwe.