Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
THE partnership between the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Lotteries & Gaming Board is already showing significant results with the latter recently donating over US$6 000 to support the film industry, a testament to their commitment to fostering creativity in Zimbabwe.
This initiative was highlighted at a prize-giving ceremony for winners of a short film project that attracted numerous participants in Harare.
The winners included Jonathan Samukange for “Outcast”, Bridget Paradza for “Homecoming”, and Tatenda Hove for “Kukomba”.
In his address, NACZ chief executive Napoleon Nyanhi praised the inaugural winners for their exceptional talent and thanked the Lotteries & Gaming Board for their generous donation.
“Since our founding 40 years ago, the NACZ has championed strategic interventions across the creative and cultural industries in Zimbabwe.
“The Short Film Grant, launched by our Board Chair in November 2024, aligns squarely with the Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025–2030. By actively investing in storytellers, we strive to translate the NACZ’s strategic vision into real-world impact,” he stated.
Nyanhi emphasised the NACZ’s commitment to the creative sector.
“We have heard your voices: filmmakers called for accessible funding mechanisms; women requested inclusive opportunities; and artists stressed the need for support structures. Through this grant, backed by the Lotteries & Gaming Board, we have responded.”
He noted that this grant marks the beginning of further support for the sector.
“Let us view today’s awards as just the start. NACZ will continue to offer mentorship, creative networking opportunities, and institutional sponsorship to ensure your productions are successfully completed and showcased both locally and internationally.
“We aim to build a national short film repository and present your works at film festivals worldwide.”
A heartfelt thank you was extended to the Lotteries & Gaming Board and its management, whose funding seeded this initiative.
Nyanhi urged the recipients to make the most of the grants they received: “To our three grant recipients: your projects embody creativity, resilience and cultural significance. We believe in your talent and stand ready to support you as you bring your stories to life.”
He also reaffirmed the NACZ’s commitment to transparent processes and artistic excellence, hoping to attract more partners willing to invest in Zimbabwe’s storytellers.
“In the years to come, we aspire for this grant to provide even greater financial support to filmmakers. I hope this gesture inspires more voices, more visions, and a more vibrant film community. Let us work together to create a film fund we can all be proud of.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr Eugenia Chidhakwa, chairperson of the Lotteries & Gaming Board, expressed her commitment to supporting filmmakers.
“I am honoured to stand among such talented and innovative minds — individuals who can skilfully navigate the space between imagination and reality. For too long, our stories have been told by others, often leading to distortions and misrepresentations.”
Dr Chidhakwa emphasised the pride they felt in partnering with talented filmmakers.
“While our core mandate is rooted in gaming, which should be enjoyed for leisure, we are excited to support such creative talents. We believe that in the near future, we will also produce a short film addressing gambling harm and promoting responsible practices.” As they take this significant step forward, celebrating creativity and giving back to the arts that define national identity, she acknowledged that vibrant cultural industries are essential for economic growth and social cohesion.
“Zimbabwe’s film and creative sectors have long faced funding constraints. This is why we stepped up as funding partners for this grant in collaboration with the NACZ, awarding three outstanding short film projects and fostering culturally resonant stories.
“By supporting emerging voices today, we are cultivating a robust creative economy for years to come,” Dr Chidhakwa asserted, committing to increasing support from the current US$6 250 for 2025 as inflows continue to grow positively.
