Bioskop is back: Filmmakers get opportunity to showcase talent in competition

The European Film Festival Zimbabwe (#EuroFilmFestZW) has extended an invitation to aspiring and established filmmakers in Zimbabwe and the diaspora for this year’s edition of the Bioskop! short film competition.

The competition which runs alongside the #EuroFilmFestZW, one of Zimbabwe’s premier film industry events, has proven to be the pedestal that filmmakers need.

It provides them with a unique platform to showcase their talent and have their work seen on a national stage and beyond.

In a Press statement, #EuroFilmFestZW unveiled the competition’s theme as, “Staying Connected” and implored filmmakers to submit works.

“We challenge you (filmmakers) to submit short films that break stereotypes and reveal the multifaceted beauty of ‘staying connected’ within our diverse world.

“Whether through fictional narratives or documentaries, delve into the power of human connection, be it between friends, family, or strangers. Showcase how people come together to overcome challenges and make a difference.

“Join the competition and explore the complexities of identity and representation, creating a narrative that reflects our universal human goal of “staying connected!”

“We welcome films across various genres, including animation, documentary and live-action. We understand that some filmmakers have limited resources. Be innovative, work with what you have, and tell us your captivating story!” read part of the presser.

Local filmmakers residing in Zimbabwe, Europe, or Africa have until July 20 to submit works for adjudication on https://filmfreeway.com/ZIFFZimbabwe. All genres of short films that are not older than two years with a maximum running time of 25 minutes are eligible for consideration in the competition.

The competition boasts various categories and awards, with the winning films receiving cash prizes ranging from “Best Narrative Short” (US$400), “Best Documentary Short” (US$400), “Best Sound Editing” (US$200), “Best Cinematography” (US$200), “Best Diaspora Film” (US$200) and the “Best Actor/Actress” winner getting US$200.

Last year, the winners included Mann Friday (Fight for Me), directed by Kalai Faye Barlow, which won the Best Cinematography category. The Best Narrative Short prize went to Xolani Mkwananzi and Clinton Zvoushe’s My Name is My Name, while Takunda Aaron Chimutashu’s Create Zimbabwe: Art Across Cities was awarded the Best Documentary: Short prize. Other winners were Derrick Manieca’s Daughter of the Soil for Best Sound Editing, and Admire Zimbeva and Bonginkosi Khumalo’s Enigma Gems for Best Diaspora Film.

The ninth edition of the #EuroFilmFestZW will run from October 11-19, with the main events in Harare at Mbare Art Space and Ster-Kinekor in Bulawayo as well as pop-up screenings in Kadoma and Gweru (venues to be announced in due course).

The #EuroFilmFestZW launched by the European Union in 2016 celebrates the power of cinema with a theme particularly cherished by the European Union: “Beyond boundaries: empowering women through film”. Over the past eight years, the festival has evolved from merely showcasing European movies into a platform for diverse and visually unique storytelling, celebrating both European and African cinema. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu