Bulawayo’s new photography festival joins Intwasa Arts celebration

THIS month Bulawayo is set to host not just the country’s oldest surviving arts festival, the annual Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo, but also the inaugural Bulawayo Lens Festival, a ground-breaking event dedicated to the art of photography. Scheduled for November 27 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ), the Bulawayo LensFest promises to usher in a new era for photographers in the region.

Traditionally held in September, this year’s Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo, under the theme “Imagine it, experience it”, brings with it a unique twist by moving to November, presenting a fresh line-up of performances and programmes. However, it is the Bulawayo Lens Festival that stands out as a bold initiative designed to spotlight the often-overlooked realm of photography.

Spearheaded by renowned photographer and creative director of SaDee Lenswork, Mhondiwa Mhepo, affectionately known as SaDee, this festival is not merely a celebration of images but a platform for education, inspiration, and community building.

SaDee spoke to Saturday Leisure and shared his vision for the initiative. Under the theme “Capturing Culture, Crafting Futures”, SaDee envisions the LensFest as an opportunity for photographers from various backgrounds to converge, share insights, and enhance their craft.

“The idea is to bring together photographers from various genres to share knowledge, inspire creativity, and foster a sense of community,” he explained.

The festival aims to provide comprehensive training in key areas such as wedding photography, photojournalism, and the business aspects of running a photography venture. The objectives are ambitious yet essential for the growth of the visual arts in Zimbabwe.

SaDee highlighted the need for rigorous training that includes insights into grants available through the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), as well as parliamentary regulations affecting the creative sector.

“We also aim to create a platform for photographers to display their work, motivate participants through talks from experienced professionals, and facilitate connections among photographers, industry stakeholders, and potential clients,” he said.

In a world where the visual narrative is increasingly important, the role of photographers cannot be overstated. They are the unsung heroes who capture pivotal moments, preserving culture and history through their lenses.

SaDee believes that the Bulawayo LensFest will not only elevate the standard of photography in the precinct but also foster a supportive community that promotes both the artistic and commercial aspects of the field.

The event will feature a distinguished panel of eight experts, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Among them is Cleopatra Dube, the Provincial Arts Manager for Bulawayo at the NACZ, whose role involves promoting the arts and culture sector.

Joining her will be Bekithemba Ntini, the Public Programmes and Development Manager at the Market Photo Workshop, whose creative strategies focus on the role of photography in advocacy and storytelling. Ernest Makina, known as “Umbalisi Omude,” a digital storyteller passionate about improving Africa’s image through photography, will also be a part of the octet. His mentorship at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) complements his commitment to educating the next generation of photographers.

Khaya Pardon, President of the Bulawayo Models Association, will also contribute his insights as a model groomer and fashion stylist, emphasising the intersection of photography and modelling. Adding to the panel is Ernet Sibanda, the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAAs) 2023 Outstanding Arts Photographer, who brings years of experience in grooming and coaching aspiring photographers.

Chronicle’s Bongani “Inkunzi” Ndlovu, a skilled journalist and media professional, will share his perspective on the importance of storytelling through images. Kudakwashe Takundwa, a blogger, social media strategist, publicist, content creator, and arts administrator, will also join in and share insights on “Social media visibility, trends and strategies.” He is the creator of Culxure Mag, a four-time award-winning online arts and entertainment publication established a decade ago.

Lastly, Cleo, who is the Managing Director of CNC Productions ZW, will round out the panel, representing the fast-growing media landscape in Bulawayo.

Ndlovu, a multi-award-winning scribe who has more than a decade of journalistic experience, especially in the arts sector, shared insights on what his presentation will entail on the day.

“I’ll be looking into the relationship between photographers and the press and a quick introduction about photojournalism in Zimbabwe. Without the photo, journalists telling stories is virtually impossible as there needs to be visual storytelling also. They are a vital cog in the journalism field in Zimbabwe and the world over,” shared Ndlovu.

The festival represents not just a gathering of talent, but a pivotal moment for the arts community in Zimbabwe. It aims to inspire a new generation of photographers, empowering them to seize opportunities and elevate their craft to new heights. With the support of the Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo, Bulawayo LensFest is set to make waves in the artistic landscape of Bulawayo, celebrating the power of photography to capture culture and craft futures.

As SaDee aptly puts it, this is about “creating a supportive community for photographers, promoting artistic expression, and providing a platform for exposure and recognition.”

Besides the Bulawayo LensFest, Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo will host its staple all-female programme, “Women, Wine, and Words” slated for the 29th where poetesses, Sonkomose, Sithandazile “Um’Africakazi” Dube, and Chiwoniso will join musicians, Zarae, Nobuntu, and Vuyo Brown.

The Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo with a twist will also spread its wings to engage the communities of Cowdray Park, Mzilikazi, and Nkulumane, an expansion from its usual venues based in the CBD.

To honour outstanding authors, the Festival will also award the Intwasa Short Story Competition, also known as the Dr Yvonne Vera Literary Award. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu