Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE Bokola Film Festival returns next month and is set to ignite a dynamic celebration of storytelling, resistance and imagination by showcasing powerful documentaries which confront pressing global issues.
This year’s festival features three curated strands which promise to inspire, educate, and challenge audiences.
Bokola Film Festival will return on August 23 at Studio Moto running under the theme “Dream. Now”.
In a statement, the organisers said this year’s edition is more than a celebration of cinema.
“We’re so excited to bring Bokola 2025 to Studio Moto; a vibrant, immersive space where creativity and community meet.
“We invite everyone to experience powerful films, meaningful conversations and a fresh energy that reflects the spirit of Bokola,” said Sikhanyiswe Sebata, Festival Co-Director.
“Stories from the Emergency” strand highlights urgent narratives that tackle climate change and surveillance.
“Dreamers” casts a spotlight on unapologetic young African storytellers whose work is bold, rooted, and audacious, showcasing the continent’s rich creative talent.
“Frontlines of Change” highlights the visual work of activists, indigenous filmmakers, and global movements pushing for justice, land rights, gender equity and liberation.
“Festival Goers can also explore Radical Futures, an immersive space of virtual reality, augmented reality and interactive installations.
“Beyond the screen, Bokola will offer behind-the-scenes access to acclaimed digital productions like The Week, a fun kids’ zone, a vibrant food and drinks space, chill spots and surprise musical appearances—creating a rich, multi-sensory experience for all ages.
“This year, Bokola has been rebranded. We’re focusing on you, the people. Your films, your dreams, your experiences,” said Dexter Fundire, the festival co-director
The festival will showcase documentaries, experimental visuals and immersive media from the frontlines of change—especially work by young, African, and marginalised creators forging new paths through crisis and creativity.
Since 2020, Bokola has proudly incubated 45 emerging filmmakers through its flagship initiative, the Film Fellowship ZW— a partnership between Accountability Lab Zimbabwe & Magamba Network.
This collaboration resulted in the production of an impressive 43 original films to date.
“The impact of this support is evident in the growing international recognition of our Bokola alumni.
“Notable examples include Jabulani Mudzvova, whose film ‘A Few Dollars More’ has screened at prestigious festivals such as the UMP Festival in Malawi and the African Indigenous Language Film Festival.
Mathew Masinge