adminKumbirayi Shoniwa Entertainment Reporter
The ongoing Media Diversity Campaign spearheaded by HIVOS in conjunction with the Netherlands Embassy, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and others will host an online film distribution workshop today at Cresta Lodge in Harare.The theme of the campaign is “Broaden Your Horizon” and seeks to highlight the impact of technology on the film industry focusing on production, distribution and marketing.
Programmes manager at Kenge Republic (Pvt) Ltd which is convening the workshop, Malvern Mkudu, said the goal of the event is to boost the reach of local productions which are currently limited to platforms such as television, movie houses and DVDs.
“We will look at various issues relating to distributing films via online and mobile platforms as well as creating a digital system for distributing film and television programmes in Zimbabwe,” said Mkudu.
Internationally, online distribution companies such as Amazon VOD, CinemaNow, iTunes and ITV have internet-based sites which specialise in retail, rental and streaming of films and obtain revenue mostly from advertising fees.
Speakers at the workshop include Elvas Mari (director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe), Tambu Madzimure (programme officer at HIVOS), Octavius Kahiya (Telecel marketing director), Chike Maduegbuna (founder of Afrinolly in Nigeria) as well as a host of creative professionals and telecoms representatives from Zimbabwe and abroad.
The Media Diversity Campaign is being held at several venues around Harare.
It has been running from October 29 and ends on December 10. The programme targets media stakeholders and members of the public to promote Zimbabwe’s media and film talent.
Online Reporter