Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
United States of America-based Zimbabwean director Kudzai King, is floating on top of the cream after his short film The Hitman’s Dalliance (13-minutes-long), bagged an Award of Excellence at this year’s edition of the Global Short Film Awards.
The awards honour exceptional short films from around the world. They happen concurrently with the Cannes Film Festival.
Other films, which were honoured at the awards are Bo and Trash (Best Animated), Paolo and Francesca (Best Dance Film), It’s Not Dark Yet (Best Documentary), Awake (Best Drama Film) and Nexus (Best Fashion and Beauty Film).
King said he is happy with the achievements he has accomplished in the global film industry, as the film he wrote and directed allowed him to realise his dreams.
“I was born in Zimbabwe — a place where the path of an artiste is not paved in gold. I spent my youth devouring Vogue and GQ, binge-watching films and TV shows, obsessing over what made a shot iconic or a line unforgettable.
“I never thought any of it would amount to more than a dream. But somehow, that curiosity led me here. I am happy that The Hitman’s Dalliance has made me live my dream,” he said.
King said The Hitman’s Dalliance is not just a film. It’s a question, a confession and a battle he has been waiting for his whole life to stage.
“The film is a genre-bending, multilingual, multicultural that explores identity, morality, masculinity, power and the quiet violence we carry inside.
“It’s made with actors I deeply admire, collaborators I now call family, and a team that gave this film its blood and pulse. Thank you to everyone who believed, pushed, fought, stayed and gave their all for the project to be successful,” said King.
Global Short Film Awards were created in 2015, to honour films with a running length less than 15 minutes. By spotlighting the creativity and innovation of short film productions, the awards focus on celebrating, recognising and inspiring the highly dynamic and innovative sector of the film-making industry.
It aims to create a vibrant platform for talented filmmakers to showcase their exceptional work to industry influencers and a wider audience. The awards are dedicated to celebrating the art of short film, providing a space for creativity, innovation and experimentation.
By connecting exceptional filmmakers with key industry players and the general public, the awards hope to support and encourage the growth of the exciting and dynamic film genre worldwide.
