Inaugural Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards preparations on course

Preparations for the inaugural Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (Zafta), an initiative that was inspired by the need to celebrate and appreciate those in the film and television industry, are well on course with event organisers releasing entry guidelines.

The awards which will be held on December 2, according to the organisers, are all about celebrating creative excellence in the film and television industry both at home and abroad.

“Our goal as the Zaftas is to ensure that filmmakers who are working hard, and creating exceptional content, have the spotlight shone on them. For quite a long time, Zimbabwe was lacking with respect to platforms that promote creatives and the consumption of films and other television content.

“All we had were the Namas, which when you look at from a broader perspective, celebrate all arts in general and when it comes to film, we have just a few categories,” event organiser, Richard Tentone, who is the founder of the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe said :

“All in all, there will be 44 categories covering genres from television, film, documentary, animation, music, discretionary and public awards,” the event organisers said.

In the document, it is stated that each submission should be accompanied by a completed entry form which those who wish to apply can get from the Zafta website or Zafta submission centres in Gwanda, Gweru, Bulawayo, Harare and Mutare (Zimbabwe Film and Festival Trust offices).

Each entry is required to be subtitled in English and if one does not own the rights for production, a letter of permission is required.

“For entries submitted under the television category, they are required to submit two episodes and their screenplays. For television comedy, they should submit two full episodes while three full episodes will be required for television drama.

“Entries submitted under the outstanding actor or actress category should be accompanied by a film or television episode in which the actor appeared.”

Those who want to submit their online content (web series) are expected to submit three full episodes with a minimum of five minutes and a maximum of 24 minutes.

“Those submitting under production design or art direction, hair and makeup, and costume design must submit a motivation which includes the budget, creative treatment, timeliness, number of members on each team and whether the set is an original creation or an existing set.

“Under the Best TV Presenter category, two full episodes and a showreel of not more than 30 minutes are expected. Cue sheets are to be included with each submission for consideration under the original music category.”

Films and documentary works must have been produced between January 2018 and September 2023. Television productions, music videos, and online content must have been created from January 2022 to September 2023.

“Films from other countries must have been directed or produced by a Zimbabwean citizen,” organisers said.
Submissions opened on July 21 and close on September 10.

“The awards committee reserves the right to change the submission guidelines, categories, or eligibility requirements at any time without prior notice. Any changes will be posted on the awards website,” read the document. — @TashaMutsiba.