BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition Announces Shortlisted Filmmakers and Actors

Harare, 25 September 2024 – The BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition, a prominent feature of the European Film Festival Zimbabwe, has announced the shortlisted filmmakers and actors for this year’s edition.

By Plot Mhako

The fifth edition of the BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition invited submissions earlier this year under the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Empowering Women Through Film” and “Staying Connected.” The competition aims to celebrate the creativity of Zimbabwean filmmakers, spotlighting their unique perspectives and experiences. This year’s theme encourages stories that promote inclusivity and transcend gender boundaries, fostering a broader range of voices in Zimbabwean cinema.

Launched by the European Union in 2016, the European Film Festival Zimbabwe has grown from a showcase of European films into a platform celebrating both European and African cinema. Over the past seven years, the festival has nurtured the local film industry, creating opportunities for Zimbabwean filmmakers to collaborate on both national and international levels.”

Providing an invaluable platform for local filmmakers, the competition allows creatives to showcase their work to wider audiences and engage with industry professionals. Winning films will be announced and screened at the European Film Festival Zimbabwe, which runs from October 11 to 19, 2024, with cash prizes awarded to the best in each category. Main events will be held at Mbare Art Space in Harare and Ster Kinekor in Bulawayo, with additional screenings in Kadoma at Campbell Theatre and Gweru at the Memorial Library.

A total of 56 submissions were received, reflecting the vibrant storytelling talent within Zimbabwe. Festival Coordinator Mercy Mangwana Nyamhunga expressed her delight at the high standard of entries, stating, “We were blown away by the quality and diversity of the submissions to this year’s BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition. From thought-provoking documentaries to visually stunning animations and compelling narratives, the filmmakers showcased a wide range of styles and approaches. We were also excited to introduce the new Best Actor/Actress award category this year, which allowed us to recognize outstanding performances in the competition.”

The competition’s independent jury, comprising industry professionals, academics, and community leaders—including Prosper Kunyetu, Sibongile Mlambo, Matthieu Eberhardt, Daniel Lasker, and Tanyaradzwa Fear—faced the challenging task of evaluating the submissions. The shortlisted nominees are as follows:

BEST NARRATIVE

• Worker Bee – Welensky Chamunorwa
• My Husband Joe – Derby Bheta
• Fat Bastard – Jonathan Samkange

BEST DOCUMENTARY

• Before the Storm – Jared Mohan Matthew Bunga
• Chasing Levels – Dumie Manyathela
• From Huts to Pots – Tswarelo Peter Mothobe

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

• Fat Bastard – Jonathan Samukange
• Before the Storm – Jared Mohan Matthew Bunga
• Taxi – Jonathan Samukange

BEST SOUND

• Hello Beautiful – Leonel Jason Fowdar
• My Brother’s Keeper – Tinashe Dorobeni
• Queue for a Dream – Xolani Thomas Mkwananzi & Clinton Zvoushe

BEST DIASPORA NARRATIVE

• Kuchema the Soundscape – Chipo Mapondera, Joel Chandauka
• Therapist – Admire Zimbeva
• Zithobeni – Andile Masombuka & Felix Badza

BEST ACTOR/ACTRESS

• Dalma Chiwereva – My Husband Joe
• Chiedza Rwodzi – In Anne
• Aubrey S – Fat Bastard

The winners will be revealed during the festival’s opening ceremony on October 12, 2024, at Mbare Arts Space, with all winning films scheduled for screenings at festival venues.

For more information, visit eurofilmfest.co.zw or follow @eurofilmfestzw on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.

For media inquiries, contact:
The Festival Team
Email: eurofilmfestivalzw@gmail.com