SA-based Achhava to headline Bulawayo Lens Fest

TODAY marks a significant milestone for the photography community in Zimbabwe as Farhan Achhava, a South Africa-based Indian photographer and owner of Pro Albums, takes the spotlight at the inaugural Bulawayo Lens Festival.

The event is set to unfold at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo, promising an enriching experience for photographers and enthusiasts alike.

Achhava is no stranger to the world of visual storytelling. Pro Albums is celebrated as Africa’s largest photography organisation, renowned for crafting exquisite layflat albums that ensure vibrant memories endure for years.

Expressing his excitement about headlining the festival, Achhava stated, “I can’t tell you how honoured and excited I am to be part of this amazing event! It’s so inspiring to see the photography community come together to celebrate creativity, innovation and storytelling.

“The Bulawayo Lens Festival is a wonderful chance to connect with talented people and share ideas that can really shape the future of photography in Zimbabwe. Let’s make some great memories together!”

Achhava will present a session titled Elevate Your Photography Business: Unlocking the Power of Marketing Tools, which aims to equip photographers with actionable strategies for leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to enhance their businesses.

“Together, we can turn your passion into profit by embracing the power of modern marketing!” he enthused.

With a keen interest in Zimbabwean photography, Achhava is eager to immerse himself in the local scene during his brief stay.

“I find Zimbabwean photography to be truly fascinating, with its rich culture, diversity and storytelling that offer a fresh take on everyday life and traditions. I’m really excited to connect with local photographers, learn about their experiences and challenges and get a behind-the-scenes look at their creative processes,” he shared.

The Bulawayo Lens Festival, set to precede Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo, which roars to life on Thursday to Saturday, will be held under the theme, “Imagine it, experience it” bringing a new twist to the usual Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo line-up.

Spearheaded by renowned local photographer and creative director of SaDee Lenswork, Mhondiwa “SaDee” Mhepo, the festival will transcend the celebration of images, serving as a platform for education, inspiration and community building.

Local flair will also season the festival with an array of panellists set to join Achhava. These include public programmes and development manager at the Market Photo Workshop Bekithemba Ntini, digital storyteller Ernest “Umbalisi Omude” Makina, President of the Bulawayo Models Association Khaya Pardon, 2023 Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (RBAA) Outstanding Photographer Ernet Sibanda, and Chronicle journalist and media professional Bongani “Inkunzi” Ndlovu.

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To lead discussions in various topics, blogger and social media strategist, Kudakwashe Takundwa, managing director at CnC Productions ZW Cleo, and National Arts Council of Zimbabwe provincial arts manager for Bulawayo, Cleopatra Dube will join in.

This promises to be a vibrant celebration of photography, providing a platform for networking, learning and inspiration.

Besides the Bulawayo LensFest, Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo will host its staple all-female programme, “Women, Wine, and Words” slated for Friday where poetesses, Sonkomose, Sithandazile “Um’Africakazi” Dube, Chioniso and will join musicians, Zarae, Imbube ensemble, Nobuntu and Vuyo Brown.

The Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo has taken a fresh approach this year, extending its reach to engage the communities of Cowdray Park, Mzilikazi and Nkulumane, moving beyond its traditional venues in the city centre.

As part of its celebrations, the festival will honour outstanding authors through the Intwasa Short Story Competition, popularly known as the “Dr Yvonne Vera Literary Award”. — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu