Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
TO mark its 10th anniversary in style, the European Film Festival Zimbabwe (EuroFilmFestZW) has unveiled its inaugural Ultra Shorts Competition, inviting young Zimbabwean filmmakers to showcase their talents.
The competition, themed “The Hustle: Through Her Eyes”, aims to highlight the creativity and resourcefulness of women as they navigate challenges and create opportunities that uplift themselves, their families and their communities.
Alex Gwaze, co-curator and co-ordinator for EuroFilmFestZW, said that the theme draws inspiration from the unwavering spirit of Zimbabwean women, who form the backbone of the nation’s economy.
“From street vendors to entrepreneurs, their hustle is real, and their determination is inspiring. We want to shine a spotlight on their innovative minds, celebrating their triumphs and stories of resilience in all aspects of Zimbabwean life,” he said.
The competition is open to aspiring filmmakers aged 18–35, residing in Zimbabwe, and requires submissions of films no longer than one minute 30 seconds. The judging criteria prioritises storytelling that is bold, innovative and direct — capturing the essence of life in a concise yet impactful way.
“Brevity is the new currency. We’re looking for filmmakers who can tell impactful stories within a 90-second time frame,” said Gwaze.
He added that with nothing more than a phone and a compelling narrative, the playing field is levelled.
“We’re calling on women and young filmmakers to seize this opportunity, to break rules and to tell their stories unapologetically,” Gwaze said.
The competition offers enticing rewards, with the winner set to receive an iPhone, while the first and second runners-up will be awarded vouchers. The submission deadline is May 9.
In related news, the deadline for entries to the EuroFilmFestZW’s Bioskop Short Film Competition has passed, and Gwaze shared his enthusiasm for the increased participation.
“We received 80 entries for this year’s Bioskop Short Film Competition. Our jury now faces the challenging task of sifting through and shortlisting films across the various categories. This is a significant jump from the 55 films we received last year,” he said.
For the first time in several years, the EuroFilmFestZW will take place next month, coinciding with Europe Day (May 9) and Africa Day (May 25) — two dates of historical importance. Europe Day commemorates the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundations for the European Union (EU), while
Africa Day honours the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU). — @MbuleloMpofu
