Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
ZIMBABWE’S film industry has long been rich in talent, ambition and compelling stories.
What it has often lacked are opportunities that allow young creatives to sharpen their skills, broaden their networks, and compete on a continental stage.
That is why graduating from the prestigious MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Southern Africa Academy is more than just an academic achievement for Tatenda Kombora and Anthony Chiturike. It represents a significant step towards realising their dreams while contributing to the growth of Zimbabwean film and television. The two young filmmakers recently completed the highly regarded programme in Lusaka, Zambia, where aspiring creatives from across Southern Africa undergo intensive training in film-making, script-writing, directing, production and storytelling.
Armed with fresh knowledge, practical experience, and industry connections, both graduates are returning home determined to help elevate Zimbabwean productions to new heights. One of the most profound lessons Kombora leaves with is confidence.
“Perhaps the biggest change has been my belief in my own talents and capabilities,” he said.
“I applied for the MultiChoice Talent Factory primarily as a creative writer and had never written a script before. I wanted to learn visual storytelling and challenge myself to see whether I could grow beyond what I already knew.”
The challenge soon turned into opportunity.
During the programme, Kombora was selected as co-writer of a commissioned film project produced for Zambezi Magic, an achievement that remains one of his proudest moments.
“Not only was I selected as co-writer of the movie we produced, but I also wrote several other scripts during the programme,” he said.
“One of my fondest memories was watching classmates react to scenes I had written during a table reading. They laughed, sighed and responded emotionally exactly as I had intended. That is something I will never forget.”
The experience also exposed him to technical areas of film-making that had previously seemed unfamiliar.
“Watching scenes where I had assisted with lighting showed me that there is little or nothing that one cannot learn if they put their mind to it.” Chiturike’s transformation came through a deeper understanding of the industry’s professional demands. “The biggest change for me has been recognising that film-making is not only about creativity,” he said.
“It is about discipline, quality and understanding the business side of things. The programme shifted my mindset from simply wanting to tell stories to preparing myself to work professionally within the industry.”
Beyond the classroom, the academy created opportunities to build relationships with emerging filmmakers from across the region.
Those connections, the graduates believe, could play a vital role in shaping future collaborations and productions.
“In just a few months, I established strong relationships with filmmakers from different countries, especially Zambia,” said Kombora.
“If film-making is a business built on relationships, then I am excited to see what these relationships can produce in the years ahead.”
The exposure also helped dismantle perceived barriers.
“Working with people from across Southern Africa and learning from industry professionals was a powerful experience,” said Chiturike.
“It helped me grow creatively and professionally. Most importantly, it made me realise that some of the limitations I thought existed within our industry were actually limitations in my own mindset.” While celebrating their achievements, neither graduate is under any illusion about the challenges facing Zimbabwe’s film sector.
Limited funding, inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of large-scale productions continue to affect many creatives.
Kombora believes stronger support from both government and corporate players could unlock enormous potential.
“Our industry needs more investment and greater recognition as an economic driver,” he said. “Film shapes perceptions, creates jobs, and tells the stories of a nation. With the right support, Zimbabwe can build a thriving film industry capable of competing internationally.”
