By Tatiana Mhararira
A Masvingo filmmaker is rewriting the rules of cinema after releasing what is believed to be one of Zimbabwe’s first artificial intelligence-driven films, blending technology with timeless storytelling.
The film, My Valentine Surprise, directed by Arthur Muoni and released on February 14, 2026, is not just a romantic drama it is a bold experiment in how AI can shape the future of local filmmaking.
The romantic film not only entertains but also showcases the potential of technology in enhancing storytelling.
Speaking to TellZim News Muoni said the film was of great importance as it had much significance to the audience who watch it.
“The message about the film is that love is proven in difficult seasons, not easy ones. Miscarriages are not a woman’s failure they are a painful medical and emotional experience that requires support, patience, and unity. A true partner stands beside you in grief, not only in celebration.
“Another lesson from the film is about self-worth. No one deserves to be abandoned because of circumstances beyond their control. If someone walks away during your hardest moment, it reveals their character not your value,” said Muoni.
He also said the film had some lessons to be drawn from it.
“My valentine surprise also teaches the audience that marriage is about commitment, especially during loss. Compassion matters more than pride. Sometimes heartbreak exposes who was never truly ready to love unconditionally. Most important of all the right person will stay, fight, and heal with you not replace you when life gets hard,” he said.
Muoni said his inspiration to explore AI in film making wa s derived from his passion of storytelling especially in the digital age where artificial intelligence is being used in different sectors.
“I have always been passionate about storytelling, but I’m equally fascinated by innovation. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence opened up new creative possibilities that I couldn’t ignore. I saw AI not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a powerful tool to enhance it.
“When l received the script of Valentine Surprise, I wanted to create a romantic comedy that felt fresh, modern, and relatable especially to a younger, digitally connected audience. AI became part of the creative process from the early stages of concept development, helping refine ideas and visualize scenes before production even began,” said Muoni.
He also stated that AI enriched some parts of the film production and how it took part in character development which influenced the final outcome.
“AI enhanced several aspects of the production. During storytelling, it helped with brainstorming plot variations, tightening dialogue, and exploring different character arcs. In production, AI tools supported tasks like script polishing, visual concept generation, editing assistance, and even marketing strategy. For viewers, the result was a more polished and immersive experience. AI helped us streamline workflows, which meant we could focus more on emotional depth, pacing, and overall quality.
“AI contributed ideas and alternative perspectives during the writing process, but the emotional core of the story remained deeply human. Romantic comedies rely on authenticity, chemistry, and cultural nuance especially within a Zimbabwean context.AI helped explore ‘what if’ scenarios and refine dialogue, but the characters’ personalities, motivations, and emotional journeys were shaped by lived experiences and cultural understanding,” he said.
Muoni also said he faced a number of challenges and how he overcame the challenges he faced.
“One of the biggest challenges was learning how to balance AI assistance with human creativity. At first, it was tempting to rely heavily on the technology, but I quickly realized that AI works best as a collaborator, not a decision-maker.
“There were also technical limitations and a learning curve. I overcame these by experimenting, refining prompts, and continuously aligning the output with my creative vision. Ultimately, the key was staying in control of the story while using AI as a supportive tool,” said Muoni.
Looking ahead, Muoni envisions a flourishing film industry in Masvingo and Zimbabwe, shaped significantly by AI.
“I believe AI has the potential to democratize filmmaking in Zimbabwe. It can lower production costs, improve access to high-quality tools, and empower young filmmakers who may not have large budgets.
“If used responsibly, AI can help Zimbabwean storytellers compete globally while still telling authentic local stories. It’s not about replacing talent it’s about amplifying it,” he added.
The film was written by Nyaradzo Mutsauri who also wrote another film called Mugabe and is currently in Canada. My Valentine surprise is available on YouTube Nyari tales.
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