By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Filmmaker Paradzai Makosa — known to many by his creative moniker, Elder Para — has a major new trophy for the shelf for TRAPPED.
His short film, TRAPPED, has just scooped the Best Short Film award at the YORA Film Festival in Kenya.
The win is the latest triumph for an independent Zimbabwean production that is rapidly becoming one of the country’s most successful international exports.
But for Makosa, who serves as the film’s creator, executive producer, and core writer, the award is more than just a festival trophy.
It is a validation of a creative vision rooted in telling difficult Zimbabwean stories that resonate far beyond the country’s borders.
From Zambia to Jamaica: A Global Circuit Run
The victory in Kenya is the culmination of an impressive international festival run.
TRAPPED has already picked up an Appreciation Award at the Zambia Short Film Festival and an Impact Award in Jamaica.
It has screened for audiences in Paris and Bokora, and earned further attention in Nigeria at the Kingdom Film Festival, where its lead actress received a Best Actress nomination.
The film is also scheduled to screen in Abuja this week, continuing its march across the African film market.
For a local independent production operating with limited resources, this level of global traction is a major achievement.
The Mind Behind the Story
Makosa‘s rise on the festival circuit is built on a foundation of multidisciplinary creative work. As a creative director, photographer, visual communications specialist, and filmmaker, he has built a career around the belief that a well-told story can challenge attitudes and give a voice to those rarely heard.
He is also a man of academia. Currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Media Studies at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), Makosa is bridging the gap between theory and practice. For him, filmmaking is not just about moving images; it is about how those images shape public understanding and influence social change.
TRAPPED is a direct reflection of that philosophy. Developed in collaboration with screenwriter Elias Muonde, the film confronts deeply sensitive issues: child marriage, exploitation, religious manipulation, and the vulnerability of young girls.
It is heavy subject matter, but Makosa chose to tell it. And judging by the film’s reception, audiences from Harare to Paris are ready to listen.
A Collective Triumph
While Makosa’s vision is the driving force, the success of TRAPPED is also a testament to the power of a dedicated team.
The production was brought to life by director Stan Joni, producer Blessing Ncozana, and a committed cast featuring Deo Jakata, Spilisiwe Kaikeni, and Robert Chiyama, with cinematography by John Wilson.
It is proof that when a strong story meets a team that believes in it, the result can compete on the global stage.
Bigger Dreams Beyond the Short
Makosa is not resting on the laurels of this win. He has already set his sights on developing TRAPPED into a full-length feature film, giving the story more room to explore its characters and underlying social issues.
It is a bold ambition — one that will require funding and partnerships, the constant hurdles for independent Zimbabwean filmmakers.
But for a creative who has spent his career building stories with whatever resources are available, the opportunity to scale up is an exciting prospect.
With his film refusing to stop travelling, and his academic journey at ZOU continuing alongside his creative output, Makosa is proving that Zimbabwean filmmakers have stories the world wants to see.
TRAPPED is officially on the map. And this might just be the beginning.
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