Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWEAN cinema continues to reach new heights, with the acclaimed local film RISE qualifying for consideration at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars), scheduled for March 15, 2026. The film made history in July when it became the first Zimbabwean production to premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Festival in New York, and it has continued to make waves on the international stage.
Written and directed by Jessica Rowlands and produced by Joe Njagu, RISE features seasoned Hollywood actor Tongai Chirisa alongside award-winning young thespian Sikhanyiso Ngwenya. Jacques Naudé is credited as the film’s cinematographer.
Being shortlisted for Oscar consideration marks a major milestone for Zimbabwe’s film industry, with RISE becoming the first Zimbabwean-made film to reach this stage on the path to Hollywood’s most coveted awards.
Inspired by Victoria Falls boxing coach Tobias Mupfuti, the film tells the story of how he transformed hardship into hope by mentoring at-risk youth through boxing.
The narrative follows a battered street boy, portrayed with emotional depth by Ngwenya, who is rescued and trained for a major boxing tournament. What begins as a reluctant mentorship evolves into a powerful journey of healing, identity and survival — both inside and outside the ring.
RISE has been screened at several international film festivals, including the Indy Shorts International Film Festival (Indianapolis, USA), Galway Film Fleadh (Ireland), British Urban Film Festival (UK), and Woodstock Film Festival (New York, USA). It has also been showcased across Africa at the Zambia Film Festival, Bangui Fait Son Cinema (Central African Republic), Rabat International Film Festival (Morocco), Africa for Impact Festival (Nigeria) and FICKIN Kinshasa Festival (DRC).
The film has earned multiple international accolades, including three awards at the Lady Filmmakers Festival in Beverly Hills: Best Short Film, Best Actor (Tongayi Chirisa) and Best Up-and-Coming Young Actor (Sikhanyiso Ngwenya).
Ngwenya’s performance has received widespread acclaim. He won Best Child Actor at the New York Film and Cinematography Awards and Best Actor at the Los Angeles Awards, becoming the youngest Zimbabwean actor to debut at Tribeca.
Locally, he made history by winning the National Arts Merit Award for Outstanding Actor, competing against established adult performers. He is also nominated for Outstanding Film/TV Actor at this year’s Bulawayo Arts Awards.
