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Yeukai Karengezeka Entertainment Reporter
International Images Film Festival (IIFF) which has been in existence for thirteen years has witnessed tremendous growth, having a notable impact in the Arts sector.While most previous editions mainly focused on celebrating women’s success in the society, this year’s edition will have a New Man category focusing on successful stories about men.
The festival runs from August 15 to 23. IIFF director Yvonne Jila said the New Man category showcases films that portray men as positive models.
“This programming includes a category that showcases films that portray men as positive role models. We also have the Walter Muparutsa Award in the New Man category,” she said.
The award was named after the late Muparutsa who was a renowned actor, theatre guru and playwright. He died in 2012 after a long battle with cancer.
IIFF has introduced a new section called Shasha/Ingcitshi/ Zimbabwean Experts section which showcase Zimbabwean film productions.
“The aim of the section is to market to Zimbabwean films, our festival is international and we have partners who run other festivals in other parts of the world such as Poland,” she added.
This year IIFF has also introduced the SADC and AU prizes to encourage productions from the sub region and the continent.
“The new prizes are meant to promote the entry of films from Africa and the productions between and amongst filmmakers in the region as some filmmakers are able to grace the festival to present their films.
“However, it must be noted that Zimbabwean productions are also eligible for the SADC and the AU prizes.
IIFF will also host mini-festivals in Malawi and Kenya where they would screen gender-sensitive narratives from the main IIFF programme while locally there would be screenings in Bulawayo, Binga and Chipinge.
Online Reporter