Online Reporter
Gift Moyo, Sunday Life Reporter
AFTER 22 years in the film industry, Zimbabwean filmmaker Nico Abote is showing no signs of slowing down.
The veteran filmmaker has added two new short films, LEFT and WEIGHT, to his growing body of work, using the projects to explore some of the difficult realities confronting Zimbabwean communities, including grief, substance abuse, mental health, family dynamics and youth vulnerability.
Since their release in May, the films have begun attracting attention beyond Zimbabwe, with both earning selections at film festivals and exhibitions. LEFT was selected for the Bokola Film Festival in Zimbabwe in May, while WEIGHT was selected for the 2026 Silicon Valley African Film Festival in San Jose, California.
Created during his birthday month in February, the films are more than creative projects for Abote.
They are an opportunity to use storytelling as a platform for reflection, conversation and healing.
“LEFT and WEIGHT are two purpose-driven short films that explore real, pressing issues within our communities, particularly mental health, substance abuse, youth vulnerability and family dynamics. The concept came from a place of reflection. I used my birthday period in February not just to celebrate life but to give back to the creative space that raised me and to tell stories that matter right now.
“These films are not meant only for entertainment, but rather, they serve as conversation starters, meant to spark dialogue and encourage healing within our communities,” said Abote.
While LEFT and WEIGHT share a commitment to confronting real social issues, their origins are different. LEFT was adapted from a poem by Cecilia Kamuputa, while WEIGHT was written by
Bailey Hove, drawing from his experiences of seeing friends struggle with substance abuse.
“They are original stories, but heavily inspired by real-life situations. LEFT is a screenplay adaptation of a poem by Cecilia Kamuputa, through which she shares her emotional journey. I felt the poem could translate well into film while provoking the necessary dialogue around mental health and gender-based violence (GBV).
“WEIGHT, written by Bailey Hove, draws from his lived experiences with friends struggling with substance abuse, resulting in a moving and deeply relatable story. The themes come from what we see and experience in our communities. So, while the storytelling is carefully crafted, the emotions and realities behind the stories are very real. I am glad our chosen cast played their roles exceptionally well, making the stories relatable and impactful,” he said.
Behind the two films was a deliberate effort to bring together experienced actors and emerging talent, creating what Abote describes as an energetic and collaborative working environment.
WEIGHT features seasoned actors Mathias Kureva, Yeukai Mhandu and Jo-Anne Chido Tenga, while LEFT stars Ratidzo Eunice T Chikowore, Munashe Goromonzi, Percy Soko, Robert Chinyama, Jeffreys Chasi, Cecilia Kamuputa and Kudzai Kizito Madangwa.
The productions also benefited from partnerships that helped secure locations and other resources, highlighting the importance of collective effort in bringing ambitious film projects to life.
For Abote who previously served as a project manager at ZTN, Zimbabwe’s first private commercial television station, the films festival selections are only part of a much bigger journey.
“There’s a lot more coming. This is just the beginning of a bigger vision we have at Abote Films, to consistently produce meaningful, globally relevant African stories. We’re looking at expanding into more short films, possibly feature-length projects and even international collaborations. The focus remains the same, telling powerful stories that connect, educate and inspire,” he said.
With experience spanning film projects in Zimbabwe, Canada and South Africa, Abote brought his years of experience to the productions but says seeing an idea evolve from a screenplay into a finished film remains one of the most rewarding parts of filmmaking.
“It’s deeply fulfilling. As filmmakers, we often sit with ideas for years because of limitations, especially financial ones. So to see these stories come to life, surrounded by people who believed in the vision enough to show up and support, means everything.
“It’s not just about the films, it’s about the relationships, the trust and the shared commitment to telling meaningful stories,” he said.
At the heart of both productions is Zimbabwean identity. Rather than transplanting universal themes into foreign settings, Abote deliberately grounded the stories in the country’s communities, experiences and social realities.
“Zimbabwean culture is at the core of everything. These stories are rooted in our lived realities, environments, people and our social structures. The authenticity comes from the fact that these are stories we recognise. They’re happening around us every day. If we’re to tell these stories to the world, they must first be truthful to who we are as Zimbabweans,” he said.
Abote believes this grounding in local experiences is also what gives Zimbabwean filmmakers an opportunity to make an impact beyond the country’s borders. He sees significant potential in the local film industry, pointing to the emergence of new creators and the quality of some of the productions now being made.
“There’s a lot of potential and a growing hunger to tell authentic stories. Look at the work being done at ZBC right now – very impressive content. I also loved what I saw with the new Madam Boss movie – amazing quality work.
“What we’re seeing now is a shift. As more creators are stepping forward, more collaborations are happening and more stories are being told despite the obstacle of limited resources.”
However, Abote said there is need for more investment, structured distribution and consistent support systems to truly elevate the industry to a global standard.
“Our people also need to start appreciating more, why we need to ‘pay’ to watch certain content and not just access it for free on these other public platforms,” he said.
After more than two decades behind the camera, Abote appears determined to keep pushing
Zimbabwean stories into new spaces, one meaningful film at a time. He has worked on a diverse range of productions, including the Canadian reality television series Dance Matchmaker and the acclaimed documentary Daughters of Legends, cementing his reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s respected filmmaking talents.
He has also played key roles across the local television and film industry, serving as a television director for the National Arts Merit Awards and Celestial Chorus productions.
