Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Zimbabwe’s film and television sector may be facing financial constraints, but it remains in capable hands.
The few committed directors and producers driving the industry to the Promised Land on low budgets have managed to keep it afloat.
Locally, film and television is not a genre for instant wealth, but a domain of practitioners who believe in resilience.
Most of these production houses have been digging deep into their coffers for the love of film and television.
Internationally, India’s thriving film sector, known as Bollywood, Nigeria’s Nollywood and the United States’ Hollywood, have demonstrated that film is a billion-dollar industry.
The dream of our own Zollywood (Zimbabwe’s film industry) has been kept alive as hordes of filmmakers are determined to reach for the stars despite lack of funding.
Last year, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), in conjunction with the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, launched a five-year strategic blueprint for film and television, which appears to be yielding positive results.
Of course, the growth of the sector is what many players had hoped for.
However, the 2025 season was indeed an eventful one for the industry.
It was a year when memories were made, international awards were clinched and new child celebrity actors and actresses emerged.
Most of these success stories, written in both bold and gold, proved that the sector has the potential to do better with proper funding that many players have been yearning for.
After all, Zimbabwe has never disappointed on the international scene, with an array of superstars representing the country with pride.
Top actors like Arnold Tongayi Chirisa and Danai Gurira are making waves in Hollywood, showcasing the remarkable talent Zimbabwe has to offer. The veteran figures in the industry, including Stephen Chigorimbo, Daves Guzha, Aaron Chiundura Moyo and Nakai Tsuro, have steadied the ship and continue to provide wise counsel.
The new crop of filmmakers and directors, led by Ireland-based actress-turned-prolific-director Caroline Nyaka-Chana, has been doing well. Other names such as Moses Matanda, Special Matarirano, Eddie Ndlovu, Joe Njagu, Jabulani Mudzvova, Eddie Sandifolo and Charlene Furusa have been consistent contributors over the years.
These luminaries have defied the challenges haunting the sector to come up with compelling productions which are set to inspire future generations. They have also given players in this sector hope that Zimbabwe can make an impression with proper structures.
When it comes to awards and nominations, the tone was set early this year when Victoria Falls-based child celebrity Sikhanyiso Ngwenya clinched the Outstanding Male Actor award at the 23rd National Arts Merit Awards.
The nine-year-old learner from Chinotimba Primary School in the resort town of Victoria Falls starred in “Rise,” a film directed by Jessica “Jessie” Rowlands.
This achievement was a testament that the film and television sector was in safe hands and that Ngwenya’s young talent needs to be nurtured.
In his acceptance speech, Ngwenya, who has mastered the art of interpreting scripts, expressed his joy:
“I’m very happy to have won this accolade.”
Unlike other recipients who may hesitate to be blunt on stage, his future is secure, and the film and television sector has benefited.
Moreover, filmmakers Matanda, Major (Retired) Special Matarirano, and producer Tawanda Sarireni received early Christmas gifts last month when their popular film, “Chinhoyi 7,” garnered five accolades at the annual Rivers International Film Festival held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The biggest honour conferred at the same event was the Global Social-Cultural President of the Year award, received by President Mnangagwa for his astute leadership and influence.
Matanda won the Best Story category, Taryn Calverey (Best Editing) and Sarireni received the Best Producer award.
The movie, shot from 2015 to 2018, has made a significant impact. For this success, the trio is on the verge of securing deals to collaborate with Nigerian filmmakers, where they received a warm welcome during their stay in Rivers State.
With a population of over 237 million people, Zimbabwean filmmakers have much to learn from the West African nation.
For Matanda and duo, these new connections can also be fully utilised back home.
This could be why comedienne Felistas “Mai TT” Murata has also joined forces with Nigerian filmmakers for her movie titled “Lost in Ashes,” which premièred in September.
Known for her skits and social media rants, she has showcased another side of herself, revealing that Zimbabwe’s film and television sector is rich with talent.
Additionally, US-based filmmaker Nkosilathi Khumalo from Bulawayo has been working tirelessly to leverage his connections to bring Hollywood stars to Zimbabwe.
Khumalo has been developing a movie designed to showcase Zimbabwe ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the US.
This ambitious project, which costs approximately US$20 million, is a collaboration with Terry Benedict, with Doug Zinke serving as the executive producer.
“The film, inspired by a vision to showcase the true essence of Zimbabwe, emphasises the importance of national pride and unity,” Khumalo stated in a recent interview.
“This aligns perfectly with the country’s 2030 vision.” The production team aims to cast around 150 local support actors alongside internationally recognised stars.
It was also the year that forgotten actor Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima’s dream of shooting a movie was transformed into a remarkable reality. His film, “Tambu: The Daughter of the Soil,” had a private première at the Reps Theatre in Belgravia, Harare.
Nyaka-Chana, who sponsored the movie, has been credited for her efforts to revive the film and television sector.
Globally, the film and television industry has become a billion-dollar enterprise, renowned for creating lasting memories and powerful storytelling. Zimbabwe cannot afford to miss out on its share of this lucrative market.
