The reasons for the confiscation are unclear. But a source in Zimbabwe's Ministry of Information, who declined to be named, said that the problem was the script. Legislation that dates back to Rhodesian days says any work of fiction filmed in the country had to have the script approved by the state. Phiri acknowledged the script has changed, but said this was common practice. Filmmakers worry that the confiscation of Flame will cast a shadow over the film industry in Zimbabwe, which has been experiencing a small boom.
Costs are lower and there is far less violence.
But, last year a German crew had its film seized by the state amid allegations, never proven, of pornography. Row over film about the abuse and rape of women soldiers .