The European Film Festival Zimbabwe 2024 kicked off its ninth edition in style, with the official opening event at the Mbare Art Space last Saturday. This year’s festival, running from October 10th to 20th, promises to be the most ambitious yet, with screenings and events spread across Harare, Kadoma, Gweru, and Bulawayo. By expanding into two additional cities, the festival underscores its mission of cultural exchange and inclusive storytelling.
By Plot Mhako, Images Tafadzwa Furusa, European Film Festival Zimbabwe, earGROUND
Themed “Beyond Boundaries: Empowering Women Through Film,” the festival offers a powerful celebration of cinema’s ability to unite cultures, raise awareness, and inspire social change. The European Union, in partnership with EU Member States and local organizations, has curated a diverse program of 27 films—6 from Europe, 11 from across Africa, and 10 Zimbabwean short films—showcasing a tapestry of narratives that transcend geographical and gender barriers.
Opening Night Magic at Mbare Art Space
The vibrant Mbare Art Space set the stage for a spectacular opening ceremony. The evening was alive with performances from local talents like Mary Anibal and Tendex, alongside electrifying routines by the Afrikera dance troupe. These performances added an artistic flair to the event, highlighting the fusion of Zimbabwean and European culture that the festival seeks to promote.
In his opening remarks, Jobst von Kirchmann, Ambassador of the European Union to Zimbabwe, encapsulated the festival’s ethos, emphasizing that this year’s edition celebrates the convergence of cultures through film. “We now have a festival that screens diverse movies not only from Europe but from all across the African continent, and not forgetting our home-grown Zimbabwean short films,” he said, reflecting on the festival’s evolution over the past nine years.
Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts & Recreation, Emily Jesaya, reading a speech by the guest of honor, Minister Kirsty Coventry in absentia, reiterated the Zimbabwean government’s support for cultural diplomacy through film, noting the alignment of the festival with Zimbabwe’s National Film Strategy set to be unveiled before the year ends.
Empowering Women Through Film
This year’s theme, “Beyond Boundaries: Empowering Women Through Film,” underscores the EU’s commitment to gender equality, which is reflected both on and off the screen. With women filmmakers, actors, and protagonists taking center stage, the festival champions the stories of women and the role of women in the film industry. The thematic focus was apparent in the selection of films, with narratives that confront societal challenges and celebrate female empowerment.
Festival curator Roberta Wagner lauded the focus on female-driven stories, while also acknowledging the efforts of the women behind the scenes.
A Platform for Zimbabwean Talent: BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition
One of the highlights of the opening night was the announcement of the winners of the fifth edition of the BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition. Running under the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Empowering Women Through Film” and “Staying Connected,” this year’s competition showcased the creativity and talent of Zimbabwean filmmakers. From powerful narratives to innovative cinematography, the competition demonstrated the growing depth of Zimbabwe’s film industry.
The winners were:
• Best Narrative: My Husband Joe by Derby Bheta
• Best Documentary: Chasing Levels by Dumie Manyathela
• Best Cinematography: Fat Bastard by Jonathan Samukange
• Best Sound: My Brother’s Keeper by Tinashe Dorobeni
• Best Diaspora Narrative: Therapist by Admire Zimbeva
• Best Actor/Actress: Chiedza Mimz Rwodzi
The jury, comprised of local and international industry professionals, including Prosper Kunyetu and Daniel Lasker, noted the high caliber of submissions this year, a testament to the growing vibrancy of the Zimbabwean film scene.
Beyond the Screen: Workshops and Discussions
True to its mission of cultural exchange, the European Film Festival Zimbabwe goes beyond screenings to engage filmmakers and audiences alike through workshops and interactive discussions. This year’s festival partnered with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) for the second consecutive year, hosting a roundtable discussion aimed at addressing critical issues in the Zimbabwean film industry.
Topics such as representation, censorship, production ethics, and the impact of technology were explored, with local filmmakers contributing valuable insights on how to grow Zimbabwe’s film sector. The discussions were an important step toward fostering collaboration between Zimbabwean and European filmmakers, promoting South-North cooperation, and enhancing the profitability of the local film industry.”
As the festival continues its journey across Zimbabwe, with screenings in Kadoma, Gweru, and Bulawayo, it will bring these rich cinematic experiences to new audiences, further strengthening the ties between European and Zimbabwean filmmakers. Each screening and discussion creates more opportunities for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration, celebrating storytelling that resonates across borders.
With its strong focus on women’s empowerment, cultural diplomacy, and industry growth, the European Film Festival Zimbabwe 2024 promises to leave an indelible mark on Zimbabwe’s film landscape, bringing a shared love of cinema to audiences far and wide. Whether through the lens of European, African, or Zimbabwean filmmakers, the stories being told this year will undoubtedly continue to inspire and challenge perceptions long after the festival ends.
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