Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWEAN born filmmaker Zoe Ramushu nee Chiriseri continues to raise the country’s flag high after earning her second nomination at the Global Production Awards.
The Global Production Awards celebrates the very best production work taking place, outstanding and emerging locations, along with great work in areas including sustainable production and diversity.
The awards are open to all organisations and companies working in the film and TV industry including studios, production companies, film commissions, location, suppliers and manufacturers and any services involved in film and TV production. The awards ceremony returns to the Cannes Film Festival in France on 19 May 2025.
Zoe said she is rapturous on being given another international nod as it gives life to her ambitions.
“This is the second time but to be honest it does feels unreal to know that you are being recognised on a global stage among such incredible people. At the same time it feels real and validating knowing that a little black girl belongs in these spaces.
“These are the things we say to ourselves as affirmations that you deserve a sit in the table, you deserve to walk in the corridors of power, these are the affirmations we speak to ourselves. I feel this is the manifestation of the affirmations that myself and lots of other young black women speak.
“This is more than just a nomination for me and that it’s a second time it’s a confirmation and calling and purpose that God has placed in my life. What l hope is an inspiration to people around me,” she said.
Zoe said the nomination which came from her new application, Wrapped App, is testament of her hardworking spirit which also has seen her get support from the regional community.
Wrapped App is a tech solution that enables companies and individuals in the film and television industry to hire and be hired efficiently by automating the hiring, training, onboarding and payment process.
“I am excited about the award because it’s also speaking to Wrapped, my app that l have been developing and really excited that it has been funded by Multichoice Innovation Fund.
“I am really grateful that my funding has come from home because a lot of times on these big stages. I was at the Berlinale EFM Startups 2024, Microsoft Cafe last year but it just feels completely different and heartwarming to be received with open arms at home.
“I am excited and gained with the partnership with Multichoice and l can see being the explosive and strategic partnership that l always visualised. Thank to the screen and international film for being recognised,” said Zoe.
Zoe has been doing wonders over the years with her production, Intelligent/Botlhale, which is being showcased at the New York Africa Film Festival. Another production, To The Plate, was shortlisted for the BAFTA Student Film Awards.
Another film, It Takes A Circus, which she worked on alongside directors Gopika Ajan and Annick Laurent, was a finalist for the 48th Student Academy Awards (Oscars).
Zoe One Point was selected as part of Africa’s top 15 producers forum. Africa filmmaking agency, Realness Institute, selected 15 participants for its second Creative Producer Indaba, a lab for developing entrepreneurial, leadership, and creative skills among producers looking to work on the continent.
