daniel chigunwe
Trust Khosa
Globally, the film and television industry has become a billion-dollar enterprise, renowned for creating lasting memories and powerful storytelling.
This discipline involves the fusion of various art forms — such as acting, cinematography, screen production, screen-writing, and music composition – but requires significant funding. Hollywood, Bollywood, and Nollywood are among the most recognised success stories in the film and television landscape.
In South Africa, filmmaking is also a thriving business; however, the local art form has been hampered by financial constraints despite its immense potential. It’s never too late for locals to learn from our neighbours who are taking film and television seriously.
In Zimbabwe, successful filmmakers often rely on self-funding to keep their projects afloat.
Notably, actors like Arnold Tongayi Chirisa and Danai Gurira are making waves in Hollywood, showcasing the remarkable talent that Zimbabwe has to offer. Despite their international fame, they remain committed to supporting local filmmakers. Recently, Chirisa returned to Zimbabwe to engage with local actors and fans, and he was honoured at the 2024 Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs) alongside Gurira and Chipo Chung as international cultural ambassadors.
The trio has been encouraged to continue using their influence to promote the Zimbabwean film and television sector to thrive. However, there is a widespread belief that the sector requires better regulation. As a modern art form, film and television utilise contemporary technologies to capture and create art, prompting dialogue between arts regulatory authorities and the Government to ensure the industry receives the attention it deserves.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), in conjunction with the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, recently launched a five-year blueprint strategy for film and television in Harare. The launch, which brought together prominent figures in the industry — including Stephen Chigorimbo, Aaron Chiundura Moyo, and Nakai Tsuro — was hailed as an eye-opener, especially at a time when many in the sector have been voicing concerns over the lack of regulation.
Key issues discussed included censorship, production ethics, representation in film, funding challenges, and the impact of technology. The findings aligned with the national vision of achieving an upper middle-income economy by 2030, echoing President Mnangagwa’s commitment to “leaving no one and no place behind.”
The primary goal of the document is to serve as a guide for rebuilding, retaining, and sustaining the sector while adhering to future policies. Notable filmmakers, such as Joe Njagu, Eddie Sandifolo, and Charlene Furusa, have also made significant strides in the industry, often rising from humble beginnings. Despite this progress, there is a consensus on the necessity for proper regulation of the film and television sector. Before the launch of the five-year strategy, filmmakers met in Harare during the European Union Film Festival (EUFF) roundtable held at Mbare Art Space from October 10-13.
Established in 1991, the EUFF showcases a curated selection of European films where locals get an opportunity to learn and exchange notes with the best. This year’s event was particularly hailed for featuring African collections, including the Ubuntu and Pan-Africanism screenings. It was encouraging seeing African stories being told by it’s people through film-making.
Veteran filmmakers shared their inspiring journeys of rising from obscurity to international recognition. All this took place at Mbare Art Space, which has become an innovation hub for local youth and filmmakers among other creatives alike. Individuals like US-based film-maker Nkosilathi Khumalo from Bulawayo are determined to leverage their connections to bring Hollywood stars to Zimbabwe. Khumalo, who visited the country recently, is working on a movie designed to showcase Zimbabwe ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Khumalo said the film aims to promote and highlight Zimbabwe’s culture and potential. The title will be revealed on January 1, 2025, but it will centrally focus on showcasing Zimbabwean culture. Given the complexities of film-making—which include camera work, lighting, producing, editing, scriptwriting, and visual literature—adequate funding, proper regulation, and talent are essential for the sector’s survival.
In 2024, signs of revival emerged, particularly as local television stations like ZTN showcased the potential for filmmakers to present their work to a broader audience.
