By Tatenda Mujeyi
The 21st edition of the Zimbabwe International Film Festial set for December 8-11 in Harare under the theme ‘Owning Our Story’ returns after a two-year sabbatical owing to Covid-19 and dissolution of the main sponsor.
The films festival which ran for 21 years, establishing most of Zimbabwe’s filmmakers, before missing out in the past two years duet to Covid-19 and lack of sponsorship emphasised commitment to seeing the success of the 21st Edition of ZIFF and filming in general.
“We return after 2years following the COVID-19 and the funding issues that followed the closing down of Kwese who were our main sponsors. We are the custodians of film in Zimbabwe since 1997, with most of the prominent filmmakers having come through this initiative. Our commitment remains unquestionable.” Mr Munyati, the Zimbabwe International Film Festival Trust Director said.
The 21st ZIFF will follow the online and physical attendance platforms and will feature workshops, screening discussions among other platforms hosted by local and international
“The 2021 festival is going to be physical as well as online so as to meet the COVID-19 containment measures. There will be workshops, screening and discussions that will incorporate international and local intellectuals.”
The festival will feature short film competition so as to avail them with the opportunity to present the heritage issues that they think are important.
Organizers and Sponsor’s emphasised commitment to turn the event into a funfair and platform for scouting young talent.
“We are also hoping to package a Series that we can develop and unpack the heritage issues affecting them. We are also going to catch the kids young through having a heritage based animation production.” Chakanyuka
On the other hand “It’s a privilege for Play Africa to be part of this as it avails a platform from which African films can be viewed and become the preferred content for Africans in particular Zimbabweans. We hope to contribute to the development of local content that speaks of our culture.” Play Africa TV founder and Director Abote
Emphasis was made from both sponsors and the project hosts on the need to establish indigenous filming structure that retell our legacy and heritage as was in sync with the years theme.
“We believe in building legacies and sustaining our local content system. We hope to facilitate the creation of local content that will avail a platform that will preserve our local culture and we are happy to be part of this.” Ms Dumisani Nkala, Telco Business Development Director and sponsor said.
Furthermore, “From 2013 we have sought to establish the Narrative’s from Africa which seeks to move from the traditional perspective of presenting western and eastern cultural issues at the expense of our own culture. We have captured most culture’s and heritage’s in Zimbabwe and we expect to have finalized the project by end of year next year. We started with the Korekore, moved to the Bucha in Mutoko and continue this harbors well with our theme ‘owning our story’ and we hope to present a lot on the subject matter.” Mr Munyati also said.
Connectivity was guaranteed for contestants as the telecommunications sponsor guaranteed access points and free data for the partners and participants.
“Telco will avail data and online access to potential partners, competitors and to see to it that participants can upload their content as well as access content. While we also note the existence of Play Africa TV as a ideal platform we are eager to support any technical support structures that might be required.” Ms Nkala also said.
The 21st edition of the ZIFF potentially sets a new trajectory in developing local indigenous knowledge based films that present positively on sustainable development.
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