Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FOR five years, the late Violet Masiye (née Nkomo) taught her grandson, Prince Sivalo Mahlangu, how to cook. Now, he is reaping the rewards. His YouTube culinary show, Magriza Made Me Cook (MMMC), has earned a nomination at the European Film Festival Zimbabwe (EuroFilmFestZW) Bioskop Short Film Competition in the “Best Documentary” category.
In an interview, an elated Mahlangu said: “I’m super proud to be nominated. It’s my first one on this platform. I’m a happy man.”
MMMC is a show that celebrates African and Zimbabwean food culture, particularly through stories and dishes passed down from generations.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of MMMC, and while the passing of his grandmother has been deeply felt, Mahlangu says her memory continues to inspire him.
“The past few months have been challenging but fruitful. Magriza’s passing was a huge loss, but she always told me the work must continue. The culture needs to be documented for future generations.”
The nomination comes just weeks after Mahlangu was recognised with an Imiklomelo KaDakamela award by Chief Dakamela last month, making it a season of accolades for the content creator.
EuroFilmFestZW organisers said the jury was impressed by the high quality of submissions for the 2025 Bioskop Short Film Competition, noting that the shortlisted films showcase some of the most compelling storytelling and artistic expression across six categories.
At the EuroFilmFestZW, Bulawayo will be well-represented. Chioniso Tsikisayi and Clinton Zvoushe’s Bureau De Change has been nominated in the “Best Narrative” category, while Wayne “Left Hand Animation” Ndebele’s The Holder is up for “Best Sound Editing”, his first nomination as a creative.
The festival runs from May 30 to June 8, under the theme:“Celebrating Women”. Main events will take place at Mbare Art Space in Harare and Bulawayo’s Amakhosi Arts Centre, a shift from the traditional CBD venues.
“This year, we’re at Amakhosi Cultural Centre. We’ve used alternative venues before, like the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo and moving to Amakhosi responds to requests from our audience, especially those unable to reach the city centre.
“Like our shift from Mt Pleasant to Mbare in Harare, we’re moving from the CBD to Makokoba, Bulawayo’s oldest township. Amakhosi has nurtured Bulawayo’s top creatives for decades, and we look forward to seeing familiar faces, especially those curious about the centre’s recent renovations,” Festival co-curator Alex Gwaze said.
Below is a full list of EuroFilmFestZW Bioskop Short Film Competition nominees:
Best Narrative
Underrated Strokes – Ndabezinhle Khoza
Bureau De Change – Chioniso Tsikisayi & Clinton Zvoushe
Peggy – Jonathan Samukange
Best Documentary
Pillow – Erick Leo Jakata
Coach Mercy – Tenford Chitanana
Weaving a Future Past: An Artist’s Journey. Home – Prince Sivalo Mahlangu
The Role of Women in Preserving Traditional Knowledge – Tinashe Simon Ziswa
Best Sound Editing
Good Days – Derrick Manieca
Peggy – Jonathan Samukange
Underrated Strokes – Ndabezinhle Khoza
The Holder – Wayne Tabaka Ndebele
Best Cinematography
Good Days – Derrick Manieca
Underrated Strokes – Ndabezinhle Khoza
Mandlovu – Tamudaishe Ngwaru
Best Actor/Actress
Fulu Mugovhani – Burns and Song
Albert Chigiya – Peggy
Angeline Cinatra Moyo – Peggy
Best Diaspora Narrative
Olympics at the Beach – Kudzi Synos
Go For the Head – Andile J Gumbo
Winners will be announced during the EuroFilmFestZW Harare Festival Opening Ceremony on May 30 at Mbare Art Space. — @MbuleloMpofu
