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Valerie Mpundu
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation will officially launch a five-year blueprint strategy for film and television today in Harare.
The launch, which is scheduled for Golden Conifer in Mabelreign, will bring together players in the film and television sector.
The launch also comes at a time when players in the sector have been lamenting the lack of regulation and structures.
After conducting a survey countrywide which tackled topics including censorship, production ethics, representation in film, funding challenges and the impact of technology, the NACZ is expected to deliver its findings and recommendations at the launch.
The findings are set to be aligned with the national vision of achieving an upper middle-income economy by 2030, echoing President Mnangagwa’s commitment to “leaving no one and no place behind.”
In an interview, NACZ communications and marketing manager Agga Nyabinde confirmed the event highlighting film and television needed redress.
“Together with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation, we have come up with a five-year blueprint strategy devoted to film and television.
“We are confident this document will serve to invigorate, rebuild, retain and sustain the sector while guiding future policies.
“Stakeholders are encouraged to attend this launch as it takes their input also, there might be issues that need deliberating on hence the need to attend.
“We need all hands on deck to make this work,” he said.
Nyabinde added that the Government was committed towards improving the film sector.
“The launch is part of the Government’s efforts to revive the film sector and within this strategy, we will deliberate on what creative minds have been probing over the years.
“We are expecting a boost in the sector after the launch of the five-year blueprint set to guide players in the industry.”
Various stakeholders have been advocating for synergies among international filmmakers.
Some of the major issues affecting the sector were tackled at the European Film Festival round-table held at Mbare Art Space from October 10-13.
Big brains in the film and television sector came together and exchanged notes under one roof.
Today’s five-year blueprint launch is set to steer the film and television sector to greater heights.
The launch came barely a year after the NACZ in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation pledged to improve the sector.
Over the years, there have been complaints that the film and television industry lacked support.
Despite financial hurdles, the sector has continued to churn out stars making it on the global scene.
Some of the stars who have made it on the international scene include Danai Gurira and Tongayi Arnold Chirisa.
Zimbabwe also boasts of talented crew members who have directed international films like Anthony Mutambira, the EMMY award-winning producer for the documentary “Friendship Bench”.
Other renowned filmmakers, who have made it to the big stage include Joe Njagu, Eddie Sandifolo and Charlene Furusa among others.
Most of these practitioners made it to the top from scratch although many players have for long been calling for the proper regulation of the film and television sector.
Online Reporter