His entry into film will forever be remembered as groundbreaking and an inspiration to an entire generation. At the age 14 Eugene Zimbudzi has written a very important piece of history for the country by featuring in Zimbabwe’s first locally produced film to show on the biggest global film network, Netflix.

By Plot Mhako

The Tomas Brickhill directed and Joe Njagu produced film brought together a star studded cast that included veteran author and poet Chirikure Chirikure, legendary actress Jesesi Mungoshi, award winning Eddie Sandifolo, acclaimed hip hop artist Tehn Diamond and the lead actress Tendaiishe Chitima amongst other prolific stars.

The cast presented the biggest pedestal for the big dreaming yougstar who hopes to one day get signed signed by movie studios like Universal Studios, Marvel Studios. “I see myself inspiring other young children who have passion for acting” glowingly said the intelligently sounding creative.

Growing up drawing inspiration from Tongayi Arnold Chirisa and Will Smith the actor revealed that Cookoff was not first entry into showbizz. “Iam also a voice over artist, commercial model and a poet. I have done several projects before”

Despite the newly found fame, Eugene remains focused on his education saying, “Education is always important in my life since acting requires intelligence. Reading the script is not easy , I realised when I started my role with Cook Off. Reading the script and mastering it required a sharp mind. I hope there will be Cook Off part 2 so that I can upgrade my acting skills.”

“I have started learning French and German languages and as well as Sign language and some Karate. I love Cooking and Soccer. I love rap music and Drake is my favorite”.

True to the adage that an apple does not fall far from the tree, Eugene is son to former top model, communications entrepreneur, Models Against Hunger, Zim Gossip and Miss Curvy Africa founder Mercy Mushaninga.

I caught up with the ecstatic mother who couldnt hide her joy, “Iam so happy, I have always told myself that I will support my children on what they love and Eugene has always loved acting and I pushed him to do poetry so everyday is poetry day at home.”

“I never thought he will be on TV at such a young age until Joe Njagu called me looking for a young boy to audition and I decided to go with him for casting. Today I still pinching myself kuti mwana wangu (its really my son) here who is on Global TV… I owe his success to Joe and Tomas”

Eugene’s sister Lesley is also a creative who is one of the top cheerleading instructors in the country, dances and has choreographed and featured in a number of music videos and concerts.

For Eugene this is only the beginning of a big journey!