Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWEAN filmmaker and creative director, Takudzwa Kahwiti Duncan, led an international team to victory in the recently-held WeSee AI Short Video Contest.
The contest was held at the East China University of Technology in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China.
Kahwiti and his team scooped the Best Video Award, securing first place in the international category.
The winning team was made up of international students studying in China – Pathiraja Navinu from Sri Lanka, Eziefula Michael Uchenna from Nigeria and Estone Silwamba from Zambia.
Kahwiti was the team leader.
Their award-winning production, dubbed ‘The Mid-Autumn Festival: Reunion, Light and Love’, was an AI-generated short film exploring one of China’s most celebrated cultural festivals.
“The production impressed judges for its creativity, storytelling and technical execution while also successfully capturing this year’s competition theme: ‘Using AI To Tell Chinese Stories Well.’
“I played a central role in the project, serving as the film’s writer, editor, voice-over artist and overall creative lead.
“The short film, which ran for just over five minutes, featured English narration accompanied by Chinese subtitles, making it accessible to both local and international audiences.”
The annual WeSee AI Video Contest has become one of China’s growing platforms for recognising excellence in AI-powered filmmaking, and digital storytelling, among university students.
“The competition attracts foreign and international students from institutions across the country.
“This year’s edition drew more than 1,000 competitors and not more than 50 advanced to the final stages.”
The judging panel consisted of AI film technocrats, renowned filmmakers, and university professors from China.
Kahwiti’s latest triumph adds to an already growing list of international accolades.
“This is an addition to my profile. In 2025, I received the Young Achiever’s Award at the Pride of Africa Asia-Pacific Awards held in Beijing, China.
“Although I am still relatively unknown to many back home in Zimbabwe, I am steadily building an international reputation through my work in film, storytelling and digital media innovation.
“I have earned recognition in countries such as Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America.”
The achievement also highlights the increasing role of African creatives in the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence and digital storytelling.
derick.khumalo