Online Reporter
Sipepisiwe Moyo
THE Zinema Skills Development Project, aimed at empowering Zimbabwean youth through film, is offering a valuable opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and actors in Zimbabwe, starting with those in Bulawayo.
Run by South Africa-based Zimbabwean filmmaker Ronald Sibanda, the project will provide free training in various aspects of filmmaking and is now open for enrolment.
Registration is free, and artists with backgrounds in any area of film and television production are encouraged to apply.
Targeted participants include those with skills in make-up, wardrobe styling, video editing, videography, photography, scriptwriting, set design, props, marketing, directing and other relevant film industry expertise. The programme is open to individuals aged 16 to 45.
The initiative aims to fill a gap in the local film sector. Sibanda, an experienced film and TV production expert with over 12 years of experience in the South African industry, has worked on numerous productions for prominent networks like SABC 1, Mzansi Magic and Vuzu.
After returning home following the Covid-19 pandemic, he recognised the need for skills development in Zimbabwe’s film industry.
“Having worked in the South African TV industry, I gained valuable insight into the film production process. However, upon my return to Zimbabwe, I noticed a lack of skilled professionals, which hampers the quality of local productions,” Sibanda explained.
“This is why I started the Zinema Skills Development Project this year — to bridge the gap and improve the local industry.”
The programme will cover a range of topics, including concept development, scriptwriting, production management, cinematography, make-up, styling, wardrobe, props, editing and distribution. Participants will gain hands-on experience in producing commercially viable projects that will attract corporate investment and advertising.
He said the programme’s objective is to develop and implement full projects, which will help create sustainable jobs in the creative industry across the country.
“The programme aims to transfer skills and implement practical projects that will be released commercially to attract future backing from corporate investment and advertising. This approach will help create sustainable jobs through creative content across the country. The project has already begun and registrations are currently open,” he added.
The programme will begin in Bulawayo, with plans to expand to Harare in July and the Midlands in October.
Sibanda’s diverse experience spans productions such as Merry Christmas Jabulani, Real Housewives of Johannesburg, Thula’s Vine and various music videos for prominent artists. He has created the Freeburn Music League, the world’s first music league reality show, which will debut in Johannesburg this winter.
“I have worked on productions such as Merry Christmas Jabulani on SABC 1, starring Sipho Manzini (Mjekejeke), Zone 14 on SABC 1, Real Housewives of Johannesburg Season 1 for M-Net Vuzu Amp, The Virgin Prostitute for Mzansi Bioskop, Xtreme Outdoors Africa in Kenya, Thula’s Vine on SABC 2, Hooking in Joburg (documentary) and various music videos for artistes like Bongani Fassie, Swati King, Cruz, Lvovo, Uhuru, Mzansi Crew, Soul Candi DJs and more,” he shared.
