Moffat Mungazi
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE recently introduced Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025-2030 is a game-changer for creatives in Manicaland and Zimbabwe at large, as it is among an avalanche of other advantages set to promote local content and showcase Zimbabwean stories and talent to a global audience as well as mentor and inspire emerging filmmakers and actors in the country.
Local creatives have hailed the strategy, saying it is expected to enhance the industry’s sustainability, which will lead to more stable and secure careers for them through initiatives to support local film production, distribution, and exhibition.
The strategy can immensely help attract investment, promote local content, and create jobs for Zimbabwean filmmakers and actors.
Tongai Chirisa, who starred in the popular South African soap opera, “Generations”, Leroy Gopal, who appeared in the international film “Cry, the Beloved Country” and Danai Gurira, who starred in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film “Black Panther” and the AMC series “The Walking Dead” are some of the actors, along with others who have made a name for themselves in the international film industry.
The strategy focuses on nine key pillars that will guide its implementation which are, Funding and Financing of the Industry, Infrastructure and Facilities, Copyright Protection, Local, Regional, and International Collaborations, Markets and Distribution Channels, Governance and Regulation, Film Education and Training, Inclusivity and Research and Development.
Veteran creative, Keavan Simomondo, who boasts of more than 30 years in the performing and visual arts, described the strategy as a timely game changer which aims to strengthen the local film industry, which has been facing challenges such as poor content quality and limited international recognition.
“For creatives in Manicaland and Zimbabwean at large, this strategy brings several benefits. “First, it is expected to improve the production quality which will lead to more professional and competitive film productions. This, in turn, will create more opportunities for actors to showcase their talent. Secondly, the strategy aims to increase international recognition, which will open up new markets and opportunities for Zimbabwean films and actors.
“This could lead to collaborations with international filmmakers, exposure to new audiences, and potentially even awards and recognition,” he said.
He said, however, for the strategy to be truly effective, it is essential to address the issue of resource availability and equal distribution across all provinces.
Historically, the film industry in Zimbabwe has been concentrated in larger cities, leaving other provinces with limited access to resources and opportunities.
He added: “To rectify this, the strategy should prioritise resource allocation and distribution to ensure that all provinces have equal access to funding, training, and infrastructure.
This could include initiatives such as establishing film production hubs in each province, providing training and capacity-building programmes for filmmakers and actors in all provinces, allocating funding for film productions that showcase stories and talent from all provinces.
By addressing the issue of resource availability and equal distribution, the Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025-2030 can ensure that the benefits of the strategy are felt by all Zimbabwean film actors, regardless of their geographical location.”
Speaking during the launch of the Zimbabwe Film Strategy in Harare recently, Acting Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister, Kazembe Kazembe said local film industry has the potential to dominate the region and create a huge impact on the global entertainment scene.
He said Government will pay attention to the governance and regulations around the film industry, including availing infrastructure and funding opportunities for high quality film productions.
“We are the pioneers of broadcasting in the region with experience that spans as far back as 1963 when the then Rhodesia Broadcasting Corporation (RBC) was established, and the exceptional local content that emerged in the colonial era without mentioning our post-independence era productions. I, therefore, challenge you all, from our creatives in the film sector, the corporate world in your individual capacities and in your collective, that it is our duty together, with Government to produce high quality content that can service our multiple local television stations and other platforms that have emerged through the evolution of technology in this 21st century digital period and time.
“Our film industry has a rich history and a wealth of talent and experience, but we know that it faces many challenges. That is why we have developed this strategy that will ensure that our film industry continues to thrive and grow. As Government, we believe that this strategy will make a real difference to our film industry, and we are excited to get started,” said Kazembe.
