By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe HE Jobst von Kirchmann, says gender equality and women’s empowerment is a key focus of partnership with Zimbabwe through the European Film Festival.
Officially opening the festival at Art Space in Mbare on Saturday, Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann said they would continue with the gesture.
“So some of you may be asking, why women are the focus of our theme this year. This is no accident! From a festival coordination and curation team led by women, to telling the stories of women and their lived realities through film we are showing that empowering women in film is a continuous journey, not a one-time gesture.
“For the European Union and the European Union Member States, gender equality and women’s empowerment is a key focus of our partnership with Zimbabwe, and we are proud to extend that commitment to the arts through this festival.
“Throughout the festival you will see some these stories told through documentaries, dramas and even light hearted comedies as in tonight’s European movie,” Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann said.
He said one of the highlights was the roundtable held Friday by National Arts Council of Zimbabwe who brought together a fantastic panel.
“I’m told you actually ran out of time because there was so much knowledge and depth of conversation around how to make the film industry more profitable for example and how we need to make more films about Zimbabwean culture, telling the Zimbabwean story.
“This brings me to one my favourite parts of the festival- the Bioskop short film competition which really spotlights Zimbabwean talent. I am honoured to welcome 2 of the Bioskop jury members here this year, Daniel Lasker and Prosper Kunyetu- talented Zimbabweans in their own right- giving back to the film sector,” he said.
At least six winners of the competition were announced in the Bioskop short film competition.
The ninth edition of the European Film Festival, is a celebration of the profound impact of storytelling through the lens of cinema, not just from European perspective, but from African and Zimbabwean perspectives.
Last year, the festival was held in Mbare for the first time – a move that encouraged the EU to evolve even further.
And this year’s European Film Festival has not only returned to Mbare, but will travel to two additional cities- Kadoma and Gweru, before ending in Bulawayo.
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