Christian films safe for family viewing

industry in Zimbabwe under the spotlight.
The indaba was organised by the Film Makers Guild of Zimbabwe in co-operation with the Zimbabwe International Film Festival and International Video Fair.

It sought to engage international film experts, the corporate sector and Government ministers to look at the issue of funding and the role of the government in promoting the development of a viable film sector.
Although there was no specific mention of film projects dedicated to Christianity, the main focus of the indaba was on what constitutes a Zimbabwean film, the training of film makers in Zimbabwe, the role of festivals and the development and promotion of a viable film sector.

Christian film is a form of Christian arts entertainment that has not been explored in detail by film producers in Zimbabwe although this area has financial advantages to the artists.
It also improves the moral well-being of film followers especially children.
Much of the artistry in film making is devoted to thematic subjects such as greed, poverty, sex, drugs and violence, which are believed to attract good business in film making.

In studies that have been conducted by psychologists to assess the impact of films on children, it was observed that children who were exposed to violent entertainment programming displayed aggressive behaviour and had a perception of the world as violent.
Furthermore, psychologists argued that this is largely so, because they are immature and cannot distinguish fantasy from reality; hence it is necessary to control the type of media they are exposed to.

Christian films are, however, safer for family viewing with an additional benefit of reinforcing relationships in the family unit.
Christian films are also ideal for viewing in a church setting, and as friends.
The idea of Christian films comes with many advantages.

Besides profit, producing Christian films will create a strong moral fabric for our society.
Since Zimbabwe’s society is exposed to a lot of harmful media content from popular entertainment which has corrupted the morals of our society, Christian films would help to repair such the damage by socialising people according to ideal Christian values and standards.

Zimbabwe has a large population of Christians as seen from the many churches across the country.
Hence, Christian films have a potential market from this vast population of Christians many of whom will appreciate films that tells the story of Christ or the story of dynamics that Christians face in this emerging new world.

Despite the perennial challenges of funding, the artistic talent of filmmakers has always been a major hallmark of the film industry in Zimbabwe.
The creativity displayed in film projects produced by such iconic film producers as Tsitsi Dangarembga, Rumbi Katedza and Godwin Mawuru among others, has attracted the admiration of local and

international film enthusiasts.
Such works of art that Include the revered Neria, Everyone’s Child, At The Water, Growing Stronger, Spell My Name, Lobola, Yellow Card among others have told the Zimbabwean story through film entertainment.

Similarly Christian films will tell the story of Christ and the life of Christians while at the same time exposing the talent and creativity of film artists in Zimbabwe.
Conventionally, Christian entertainment is understood to be gospel music, which comes through different genres.

Films that look at thematic issues within the life of a Christian can be a major source of entertainment for Christians.
With adaptations from Bible stories while combining music and motion pictures, one finds enjoyment and at the same time draws important and meaningful Christian lessons from the Bible.

Since Zimbabwe has talented artistes, more can be expected from them to come up with creative ideas, which should see Christian film projects hitting our local film industry, at a phenomenal speed, because the market is already there. Christian film is not a new concept as there are many such productions the world over.

Some Christian films that have been produced include Faithless, NOOMA, Mr Pratt and Quest for The Aucas Gates of Splendour Pack among others.
The film “Faithless” depicts how Satan often comes under the guise of the angel of light in order to steal and destroy, while “Mr Pratt” deals on the subject of grace and forgiveness.

The film “NOOMA” teaches about the fullness of life through Jesus Christ highlighting such issues as forgiveness, discipleship and unconditional love.
“Quest for The Aucas Gates of Splendour Pack” is a story of forgiveness, the awesome power of God, and a community of pagans turned to Christ and exposed to the bible.