dyton mupawaenda
Rutendo Gomwe–Arts Correspondent
Organisers for the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) are set to launch the first edition of the “NAMA Film Festival” which is pencilled for Bulawayo this weekend.
The two-day festival will be hosted at Sterkinekor Theatres on Saturday and Sunday and, will showcase some of the NAMA-nominated films as well as a few special features from up-and-coming filmmakers in Zimbabwe.
“Workshops with leading Zimbabwean and international filmmakers will also be held to educate and inform aspiring filmmakers,” said organisers. Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) director Tinashe Kitchen said the event is centred on the artists and aims to display extraordinary talent.
“Our focus is always on the artist, we seek to showcase the immense talent that this country has both during and after the NAMA awards themselves.”
“It is important that such initiatives carry on long after the awards ceremony to create value for our artists and help them to fulfil their dreams,” he said.
Kitchen said the film festival serves as a build-up event to the 22nd edition of the NAMA which will be held on the 24th of February 2024 at ZITF in Bulawayo.
“As event managers Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) we are working together with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, the film festival serves as a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on one of Zimbabwe’s fastest rising entertainment industries.”
“Tickets for the festival will be available at Ster Kinekor Bulawayo.”
Last year’s edition was held at the Rainbow Towers and was hosted by Gemma Griffiths, Chief Koti and, Charlene Mangweni-Furusa.
It saw MC Tatts, DJ Zimtronix, Freeman, Tocky Vibes, ExQ, Ammara Brown Herman, Poptain, Juntal and, Mai Titi performing.
Some of the winners in the film and television categories include Searchmore Takavada as husband in “3 days in March” and, Sylvia Mavezera as Wife in “3 days in March”.
The Outstanding Screen Production (Television) went to “Intab’enkulu” directed by Kuda Brian Bwititi, while Outstanding Screen Production (Short Length Film) was awarded to “3 Days in March” directed by Bwititi.
Joe Njagu and Eddie Sandifolo’s film “Ngoda” scooped Outstanding Screen Production (full-length film).
Online Reporter