adminYeukai Karengezeka Arts Correspondent
As preparations for this year’s edition of Zimbabwe International Film Festival gather momentum, a number of international stars are expected in the country this week ahead of the fête. The festival that will run from October 4 to 11 is being held under the theme “Universal Africa”. Among visitors coming from the the international scene is our own Ratidzo Mambo, the actress who starred in “Yellow Card” as Linda Karombo.
Ratidzo who moved to Australia soon after the “Yellow Card” success relocated to Los Angeles a few years ago to pursue her growing acting career following in the footsteps of people like Danai Gurira, Tongayi Chirisa and Rick Cosnett.
Before heading to Hollywood she worked on a variety of film, television and theatre projects in Australia.
One of them is the long running Australian soap opera “Neighbours” and the recent action drama “The Legend Maker” which had its first screening at the Melbourne International Film Festival held last month.
She has appeared in Pharrell Williams music video called “Marylyn Monroe” and she is currently working on untitled independent feature film.
She recently collaborated on a comedy web series called “Moms” which she co-wrote and stars in.
The comedy is about the relationship between mothers and daughters and Ratidzo plays both roles brilliantly and episodes one and two will be screened as part of the short film programme at ZIFF.
Festival coordinator, Elton Mjanana said coming in of renowned filmmakers will help the local sector.
“The coming in of international stars is good for the festival.
“It is a platform for them to share and impart skills to local film makers through a number of workshops lined up during the festival.
“This is an opportunity to establish relations and possible film productions amongst themselves,” he said.
Other filmmakers coming include Gide Akinleminu from Germany who has a documentary film called “Portrait of a lone farmer” and United Kingdom based Moscow Kamwendo director of the opening film “Kamarada Presidente (Comrade President).
ZIFF Trust for the first time its taking the films to ghetto areas in a bid to attract bigger audiences and some of the screenings will be in Warren Park, Mufakose, Highfield and Mbare as well as Copacabana bus terminus.
However the festival’s main venues are Pakare Paye Arts Centre, ZIFF Hub, Alliance Francaise, Theatre in the Park, Young Africa Centre in Chitungwiza and Book Cafe.
The festival will see a number of artistes including superstar Oliver Mtukudzi and the internationally travelled Mokoomba performing.
Online Reporter