Ivan Zhakata-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE European Film Festival Zimbabwe returns to Harare today for three days of film screenings, workshops and discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration between Zimbabwean and European filmmakers.
Running from October 28 to 30 under the theme “The Next Frame”, the festival will showcase European films alongside Zimbabwean short films, while providing opportunities for emerging filmmakers to develop their skills and explore new business opportunities in the creative industry.
Hosted by the European union in partnership with EU Member States, the festival will be held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Film and Television School of Southern Africa (ZIFTESSA), Zimbabwe German Society and Alliance Française Harare.
The programme features films from Romania, Ireland, Spain, Madagascar and Belgium, alongside works by local filmmakers.
European union Delegation to Zimbabwe Chargée d’Affaires Mrs Francesca Fabbri said the festival was designed to give Zimbabwean talent greater visibility and encourage young filmmakers to share their stories with wider audiences.
“What excites me most about this edition is not just the films we are bringing from Europe, but the talent we are putting on that same stage from Zimbabwe,” she said.
“This is a festival that says to every young filmmaker in this country: your story matters, your voice belongs in this conversation, and your audience is waiting.”
The festival opens today at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe with an exhibition bringing together organisations from the film, media, culture and education sectors.
The evening programme includes a preview screening of Grounded, followed by a question-and-answer session with acclaimed Zimbabwean-British actress Chipo Chung, before the Romanian feature film Nasty is screened.
On Thursday, aspiring actors and filmmakers will attend a masterclass on screen acting and directing led by Leroy Gopal, in association with Monzyice Creations.
The evening programme at Zimbabwe German Society will feature Four Mothers and the Spanish film Jokes and Cigarettes.
Friday’s programme at Alliance Française Harare will focus on the business and future of filmmaking, with a finance workshop conducted in collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and facilitated by Chartered Accountants Academy.
Two panel discussions will examine sustainable financing and development in the film industry under the topics “The Missing Middle: A Sustainable Future in Filmmaking” and “AI and African Cinema: Tool, Threat or Turning Point?”
Festival director Ms Rumbi Katedza said the theme was intended to encourage filmmakers to imagine the future of Zimbabwean cinema and build relationships that could support the next generation of storytellers.
“This year’s theme invites us to imagine the future of film in Zimbabwe. I am honoured to lead the festival and build new relationships through film, including stronger creative connections with the European Union,” she said.
“There is so much we can learn from one another, and I hope the encounters we create here will open doors for the next generation of filmmakers to tell stories on their own terms and lay the foundations for lasting collaborations.”
The festival will also feature the BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition, which attracted 80 entries across different genres and filmmaking approaches.
The competition has shortlisted films in six award categories, recognising talent in narrative filmmaking, documentaries, cinematography, sound and performance.
The winners will be announced on Friday at Alliance Française Harare, where the shortlisted films will be celebrated before the festival concludes with the feature film How to Make a Killing.
Other films scheduled for screening on Friday include Weight, Disco Afrika – A Malagasy Story, Chez Ali and God Sleeps on Sundays.
All festival events are free to attend, although some activities have limited spaces.
Launched by the European union in 2016, the festival has developed into a platform for European and African cinema, with a growing focus on nurturing Zimbabwe’s film industry and creating opportunities for local filmmakers to connect with international creative communities.
