Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
LAST WEEK, the Zambian-Italian Cultural Centre in Lusaka was full of energy as the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Southern Africa Academy celebrated its 2025/2026 graduates. Twenty students completed the programme and are ready to become the next generation of African storytellers.
Among them were two Zimbabweans: Bulawayo’s Tatenda Kombora and Harare’s Anthony Simbarashe Chiturike, who received a Special Recognition Award for being the Best Student – Outstanding Work Ethic.
The graduation capped a year-long intensive programme, developed in partnership with the University of Zambia, combining academic learning with hands-on production experience. Students gained skills across the full spectrum of filmmaking, from cinematography and editing to scriptwriting, producing, and directing.
Speaking at the ceremony, MultiChoice Zambia CEO Averess Ndhlovu-Chella said the programme is about more than just vocational training.
“These graduates emerge industry-ready, well-prepared to drive the region’s creative ecosystem and tell our stories on a global scale,” Ndhlovu-Chella said.
After the ceremony, Sunday Life spoke with Kombora about her academic journey and the future of Zimbabwean cinema. Below is the interview.
Q. How did attending the programme in Zambia change your experience and understanding of the filmmaking industry?
A. The biggest change was the networking and exposure to Zambia’s filmmaking industry. Online or offline, the knowledge was similar, but being there allowed me to see a vibrant industry in action – full-time actors, directors and producers creating multiple films a month, with audiences eager to watch local content. It showed me that filmmaking can be a viable career, not just an aspiration and I gained invaluable connections and insights I’ll never forget.
Q. How did working with people from diverse languages, backgrounds, and cultures shape your collaboration and approach to filmmaking?
A. Working with people speaking Shona, Nyanja, Portuguese and more showed me that language was never a barrier. We collaborated effectively, shared experiences and realised our industries had many similarities. Watching films in different languages, from Portuguese to Italian silent films, taught me that storytelling goes beyond dialogue, visuals, lighting, cinematography and wardrobe can convey powerful messages across cultures.
Q. In your second week, you visited the set of Zambia’s major TV production, Mpali. What was the most eye-opening moment for you?
A. When I joined the Mpali set as part of the writing team, we were struggling to finish the script. Sitting in the writers’ room with six experienced writers was eye-opening. They asked us if we had completed a particular process, which we hadn’t and once we did it, everything started flowing smoothly. That moment was transformational because it showed me the value of mentorship. One of the senior writers shared that her first mentorship was with Tsitsi Dangarembwa, showing how crucial guidance is. Zimbabwe’s film industry could benefit so much from more of these knowledge-sharing spaces. Learning from experienced filmmakers, beyond YouTube tutorials or online courses, can make a huge difference. Just being in a room with them, asking questions and absorbing their insights taught me more than I could have imagined. Programmes like MultiChoice Talent Factory are vital because they create that space for knowledge to pass from one generation to the next.
Q. You started with writing, explored sound and directing and then ventured into lighting and cinematography. What skills or mindset from the programme gave you confidence to handle these multiple roles?
A. Filmmaking taught me growth, both in character and skills. On set, anything that can go wrong will, and you’re tested on how you handle problems and manage people. After writing, I became a production manager and had to navigate delays, late actors and countless moving parts, which sharpened my people-management skills. Filmmaking also teaches life lessons. For example, on the Mpali set, I learnt to always safeguard the camera, even before my own safety. That mindset – investing in what matters and taking responsibility – applies beyond film. Collaboration is key: every department, from wardrobe to makeup, matters and even small details like costume colours carry meaning. Film isn’t just the director’s vision, it’s a team effort that teaches discipline, attention and respect.
Q. Your first short film was made with a zero budget using classmates as cast and crew. How did this experience shape your understanding of filmmaking, creativity and resourcefulness?
A. I’m proud that my first short film, now on YouTube, came from my MultiChoice journey. Most African filmmakers work on low budgets, but that hasn’t stopped us from creating quality films with beautiful stories and cinematography. The key lesson is that as a filmmaker, the idea comes first. Money helps, but even without it, you find a way to make the story happen. For my short film, the crew and cast were my classmates; they edited, lit and acted and I directed and wrote. It was a zero-budget project, yet we produced a complete project. I also learnt brand integration. Partnering with brands can provide costumes or resources in exchange for exposure. Low budget doesn’t mean low quality, even with no money, creativity and resourcefulness can produce great films. Nothing is impossible.
Q. Fellow Zimbabwean Anthony Chiturike was recognised for his outstanding work ethic. What does this say about Zimbabwe’s standing in the regional film industry?
A. Anthony’s work ethic is incredible – always editing, learning, and delivering quality work without being asked. Zimbabwe has talent like him, but not enough institutional support to help them fully shine. While countries like South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya have multiple talented filmmakers supported by systems, Zimbabwe relies on a few self-driven individuals. Seeing Anthony succeed inspires other young filmmakers and shows that with proper investment and opportunities, our industry could be unstoppable.
Q. What projects are you working on, and how do you plan to grow as a filmmaker and scriptwriter?
A. I’m developing two scripts and one of them is a short film I plan to direct and produce myself. My main focus remains scriptwriting, my first passion and I’m aiming to contribute regionally, not just in Zimbabwe. I also want to return to writing opinion pieces to keep sharpening my skills. My advice to aspiring filmmakers is simple: create. Start with what you have, learn from mistakes and keep improving. Workshops and fellowships are great, but you become a filmmaker by making films. I’ve also been fortunate to have mentors and collaborators who’ve supported me and allowed me to contribute my strengths as a writer. I hope to continue learning and building with others in the industry.
Bongani Ndlovu