Veins of the Veld

What if the monsters we fear are the very ones we need to embrace?
A dark fantasy horror tale where African folklore meets vampire and shapeshifter mythology in the heart of Zimbabwe.

Logline

Suffering from a supernatural malady, a woman returns to her homeland and solicits her sister’s help to find a cure, only to walk into a trap that reveals she’s not the only “sick” one.

Synopsis

After a long stretch abroad, Vimbai returns to Zimbabwe and solicits her sister Monica’s help to cure a rare condition that haunts her existence, causing her skin to burn in daylight and fueling an insatiable thirst for blood—vampirism. She must sacrifice her desires in order for her loved ones to live. Monica has located a sangoma, traditional healer, who purports to have the ultimate cure.

As they journey through the vibrant countryside, a series of events unfold revealing glimpses of Vimbai’s struggle with her vampirism. She battles her dark urges, employing every ounce of willpower to suppress them.

The atmosphere shifts to foreboding as they enter the sangoma’s dimly lit hut. Too late, they realize they’ve walked into a trap. A fierce struggle for Vimbai’s life unfolds, with Monica entering the fray. In the heat of the battle, hidden truths about their identities and transformations come to light revealing who they truly are and who they have become.

Veins of the Veld is a short film that dares to ask, “What if the monsters we fear are the very ones we need to embrace?”

Meet the Team

Introducing our team of dedicated BIPOC creators with professional and lived experience in Hollywood and southern Africa is working diligently to bring this story to life.

• NOMSA L. MLAMBO (Writer/Producer): A dynamic actor with appearances in hit shows like The Upshaws and The Mysterious Benedict Society
• TENDAYI NYEKE (Executive Producer): Award-winning producer of the Annie Award-winning Disney+ anthology Kizazi Moto
• SIBONGILE MLAMBO (Actor): Known for roles in Florida Man, Siren, and Lost in Space
• BONGANI MLAMBO (Cinematographer): Worked on projects like We're All Gonna Die (SXSW 2024) and The Hair Tales
• VICKI SYAL (Producer): Experienced producer committed to diverse storytelling with award winning projects like Abrazo, and Stakes is High

Why This? Why Now? Why Us?

Veins of the Veld is a fun story exploring very relevant and universally relatable themes: Identity and Transformation, The Burden of Secrets, Sacrifice and Survival, Isolation and Companionship. Through the combination of vampire mythology, shapeshifter legends and African folklore, our desire is to make a short film that will stretch your imagination, ignite thought-provoking conversations and get your veins pumping!

Veins of the Veld isn't just another vampire story - it's a bold reimagining of vampire folklore through a contemporary southern African lens. In a world hungry for diverse voices and fresh perspectives, our film offers a unique blend of fantasy, horror and cultural exploration. Now is the time to bring authentic African stories to the global stage, challenge stereotypes and expand the boundaries of genre filmmaking.

Join Our Journey on Seed & Spark / Donate

Support "Veins of the Veld" by visiting our Seed & Spark crowdfunding campaign. Every contribution brings us closer to bringing this unique vision to life!

Your donation is tax deductible! Veins of the Veld is a fiscally sponsored project of Film Independent, a 501(c)(3) non-profit independent media arts organization. Film Independent will receive grants for the charitable purposes of Veins of the Veld, provide oversight to ensure that grant funds are used in accordance with grant agreements, and provide reports as required by the grantor. Contributions for the charitable purposes of Veins of the Veld are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

The Time is Now!

Our campaign is live, and we need your support to reach our goal. And reach for our stretch goals. Remember, we only keep the funds if we reach 80% of our goal. Your timely donation can make all the difference!

Help us reach our goal!

Make Your Mark on "Veins of the Veld"

Thank you for your support. Here are ways you can help:

1. FOLLOW our Seed and Spark campaign page for updates (Click the Follow ❤️ button way up top right!).
2. CONTRIBUTE to the campaign. Every contribution counts, no matter the size (Check out our incentives and wishlist.)
3. JOIN THE PACK and follow our journey on Instagram @veinsoftheveld
4. SHARE this campaign with your people - https://seedandspark.com/fund/veins-of-the-veld.

• Pick 3 people. (your coworker, your pickleball doubles partner, your rich Aunt Grace, your friend who works at XYZ tech company - you get the idea!)
• Share @veinsoftheveld on social media
• Share with groups you are a part of (your high school WhatsApp group, your synchronized swimming class, your vampire fandom Facebook group)

Help us spread the word by sharing our campaign with your network. Every share brings us closer to our goal! Share buttons below:

Join Our Pack

Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates:

@veinsoftheveld

We appreciate you being part of our story. Let's make movie magic together!

Ready to sink your teeth into something extraordinary?

Donate now to bring "Veins of the Veld" to life! Follow us on Instagram @veinsoftheveld for behind-the-scenes updates and join our pack of supporters. Together, let's create a film that will leave audiences thirsting for more!

Thank You for Your Support!