Mai TT Reveals She Spent Nights in Jail Writing Life Stories That Inspired Her New Nollywood Film
Zimbabwean comedienne and social media personality Mai TT has shared how her time in prison became the unlikely birthplace of her upcoming Nollywood film, Lost In Ashes.
She revealed that during her incarceration, she spent sleepless nights writing personal stories that later inspired the movie’s script.
Also Read: Mai TT Reveals Upcoming Movie ‘JailBird’ About Her Life In Prison
Writing Through the Darkness: How Prison Inspired a Movie
Taking to Facebook, Mai TT, real name Felistas Murata, revealed that she spent sleepless nights writing her life story while incarcerated.
“Behind bars, I would request that my husband, Shumba, purchase notebooks for me as I was writing stories — not just any stories, but my own stories, my pain, and my struggles,” she wrote.
“At midnight, while my fellow inmates slept, I would be awake and sometimes they would inquire as to when I would sleep. I would inform them that I had a vision to fulfill.”
She described how the harsh prison environment became a source of unexpected strength and inspiration.
“I drew strength from that harsh environment and found inspiration in that unexpected place.”
From ‘Jailbird’ to ‘Lost In Ashes’: Mai TT Turns Prison Pain Into Nollywood Film
Mai TT revealed that upon her release, she pitched the idea for a film titled Jailbird to a Zimbabwean producer. Though initially supportive, he failed to follow through.
“Upon my release, I presented my idea to a Zimbabwean producer, proposing a movie titled Jailbird. He expressed enthusiasm for the concept but subsequently delayed and made empty promises, leaving me disheartened but not defeated.”
Determined, she took her idea to Nigeria. Nollywood actors were stunned that the story was true and expressed eagerness to bring it to life.
“I then traveled to Nigeria, where I shared my idea with a friend who, in turn, discussed it with some Nollywood actors. The response was overwhelming, with many remarking that the story was out of this world. They asked if it was true, and I confirmed that it was. After all was said and done, I am now here today.”
The project, now renamed Lost In Ashes, is currently filming in Nigeria. Mai TT is both the lead actress and the executive producer. She said the team is on Day 3 of shooting, with just five days left before editing begins.
What Landed Her in Jail
Mai TT’s time in prison followed a 2023 conviction by the Harare Magistrates Court. She was sentenced to nine months after being found guilty of theft of trust property — giving away a rented car as collateral for a US$10,000 loan.
She was also sentenced for defaulting on community service from a prior 2015 assault case. Though she had been ordered to serve 105 hours, she only completed 19.
However, in November 2023, the High Court overturned her conviction on appeal and declared her not guilty, setting her free.
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The post From Dema to Nollywood: Mai TT Reveals She Spent Nights in Jail Writing Life Stories That Inspired Her New Film appeared first on iHarare News.
