Staff Writer
The 2024 edition of Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs) have been announced with organisers upbeat about this year’s showcase. ZAFTAS arguably the premier film and television event, is dedicated to honoring the outstanding achievements of filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals in Zimbabwe. Interestingly, DJ Ollah 7 and The Denny J Show all podcasters are battling for honours in the Outstanding Podcast Award. Since its inception, the ZAFTAs have become a vital platform for showcasing the rich storytelling traditions and vibrant culture of our nation. Below are the nominees:
Outstanding Television Production Award
• Bundu
• Inkaba (John Mabuyane)
• Love and Reality
• Drug Mafia
2. People’s Choice for Best Television Production Award (Public Voting)
• Nhodo
• Inkaba
• Love and Reality
• Nhaka Yeupenyu
Popular Content Creator Award (Public Voting)
• Chipo the Trouble Maker
• MoojayaZW
• Code Red
• Kingslee ZW
Outstanding Actor in a Television Production Award
• John Mabuyane in Inkaba
• Tendai Madzviti in Bundu
• Charles Kamala in Nhaka Yeupenyu
• Percy Soko in Village 4
Outstanding Actress in a Television Production Award
• Chelesile Mpofu in Inkaba
• Tinotenda Katsande in Love and Reality
• Shamiso Nduru in Nhaka Yeupenyu
• Mercy Nyawasha in Bundu
Outstanding Achievement in Editing for Television Production Award
• Andile Ndlovu – Bundu
• Nhaka Yeupenyu
• Nhodo
• Love and Reality
Outstanding Directing for a Television Production Award
• Nyaka Yeupenyu
• Inkaba
• Nhodo
• Love and Reality
Outstanding Writing for a Television Production Award
• Village 4
• Inkaba
• Nhaka Yeupenyu
• Drug Mafia
Outstanding Television Presenter Award
• Mazwi – Zim Uncovered
• Joylene Fatima Ismail – The Design Show
• Oslie Matsikinyeri – Diplomatic Couch
Outstanding Documentary Award
• Chasing Levels (Dumi Manyathela)
• When Children Have Children (Tswarelo Mothobe)
Outstanding International Feature Film Award
•Mtaa Yangu (Kenya)
• In The Arms of The Tree (Islamic Republic of Iran)
• Offshoot (Nigeria)
Outstanding International Documentary Film Award
• Torn From the Tundra (Russian Federation)
• Giants In Motion (Botswana)
• Russian Marriage Quest (Russian Federation)
Outstanding International Short Film Award
• Baratani (The Hill of Lovers) (Botswana)
• Thief (Kenya)
• Where The River Divides (Kenya)
• 1992 (Kenya)
Outstanding International Animation Award
• Death Valley (Kenya)
• Loupetoo (Islamic Republic of Iran)
Excellence in Indigenous Cultural Expression on Screen Award
• Inkaba (John Mabuyane)
• Nhaka Yeupenyu (Munashe Chitsiga)
• Drug Mafia (Kuda Bwititi)
• Village 4 (Solomon Mandaza, Thulani Dube and Percy Soko)
Outstanding Animated Film Award
• The Sixth of May (Takudzwa Sibanda)
• Muchero by Ryan Mukombo and William P. Best
•Family Routine by Johanes Yeukai Machingauta
Outstanding Feature Film Award
• 4KUS (Billy Kabasa and Ngoni Alex Robbins)
• Neria 21 (Vimbai Sinchuke)
• Uncalculated Mistake (Fradreck Mandere)
• Nyanga (Talent Chitauro)
Outstanding Short Film Award
• Empty Eyes by Leo Ericks Jakata
• Myself by Kundai Mudyariwa and Maks Makawa)
• Highway Black by F.C. Stanley
• Taxi by Jonathan Samkange
Outstanding Actor in a Feature Film Award
• Nesu Madakiwe in Neria 21
• Ngonidzashe Chikowore in Uncalculated Mistake
• Robert Chiyama in Kanukai
• Marc T Mandisoul in November Rain
Outstanding Actor in a Short Film Award
• Munya Chidzonga in Taxi
• Tinotenda Hudson Chibaya in Myself
• Bex Ndlovu in Count to Three
• Adler Mbofana in Dollar
Outstanding Actress in a Film Award
• Kundai Mabviko in 4KUS
• Nyaradzo Nonnie Matanga in Uncalculated Mistake
• Kudzai Chengedza in Neria 21
• Cordelia Masalethulini in Neria 21
• Auxillia Muchareveyi in Empty Eyes
Outstanding Screenwriting Award
• Neria 21
• Uncalculated Mistake (Ashley Rumbidzayi Rundofa)
• 4KUS (Billy Kabasa)
• Kanukai (Felix Mutasa)
Best Achievement in Directing Award
• Trust Sayi for Neria 21
• Billy Kabasa for 4KUS
• Louisa Chido Madzivanzira for Saunyama
• Robert Mhuka for Uncalculated Mistake.
Best Achievement in Cinematography Award
• Neria 21 (Siyabonga Sayi)
• 4KUS
• Nyanga (Andre Ndhlovu and Brandon Mushaninga)
• Empty Eyes (Leo Ericks Jakata)
Best Achievement in Production Design Award
• Kanukai
• Neria 21
• 4KUS
• Nyanga
Best Achievement in Costume Design Award
• Nyanga
• 4KUS
• Neria 21
• Saunyama
Best Achievement in Sound Design Award
• Worker Bee
• Neria 21
• Uncalculated Mistake
• Nyanga
Best Achievement in Editing Award
• Neria 21
• 4KUS (Billy Kabasa)
• November Rain (Allie Winters)
• Nyanga (Andre Ndhlovu and Brandon Mushaninga)
Best Achievement in Makeup & Hairstyling Award
• 4KUS
• Neria 21
• Uncalculated Mistake
• Saunyama
Outstanding Podcasting Award
• Haku Stream
• In Conversation with Trevor
• Ollah 7 Podcast
• The Denny J Show
Film and Television Reporting Excellence Award
• Natasha Tariro Mutsiba
• Anesu Lorraine Mirisawu
• Kingstone Zimunya
• Tendai Sauta
Honorary
Lifetime Achievement Award
• Dorothy Chidzawo
• Charles Sekete
• Joice Jenje Makwenda
• Anthony Fortune Ruzugunde
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the enduring contributions of film and television professionals whose exceptional talent and dedication have shaped the industry. This award honors their legacy of creativity, influence, and commitment to storytelling, celebrating a career that has inspired generations and enriched the cultural landscape.
Outstanding Contributor Award
• Alice Tagwirei
Outstanding Cultural Ambassador
• Danai Gurira
• Chipo Chung
• Arnold Tongai Chirisa
• Chiedza Mhende
The Outstanding Cultural Ambassador Award honors filmmakers abroad who tirelessly promote Zimbabwean culture through their work.
Their dedication to showcasing our rich heritage and narratives on international platforms not only elevates Zimbabwe’s artistic presence but also fosters cultural exchange and appreciation worldwide.
About Author
