Online Reporter
Sipepisiwe Moyo, Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
A Zimbabwean filmmaker is making significant strides across the border in South Africa and is determined not to rise alone.
Born in Bulawayo, Ronald Sibanda has been immersed in the film industry since 2012, having honed his craft through freelancing within South Africa’s bustling TV sector for over a decade.
Throughout his career, Sibanda has worked on a variety of prominent South African productions, including Merry Christmas Jabulani on SABC 1, starring Sipho “Mjekejeke” Manzini, Zone 14 on SABC 1, Real Housewives of Johannesburg Season 1 for Mnet – Vuzu Amp, The Virgin Prostitute for Mzansi Bioskop, Xtreme Outdoors Africa in Kenya and Thula’s Vine on SABC 2.
He has also contributed to music videos for renowned artistes like Bongani Fassie, Swati King, Cruz and L’vovo, to name a few.
His early connection to the arts began with his father, who was passionate about videography during the late 90s and early 2000s. He quickly mastered 8mm and VHS video cameras at a young age, learning to edit and modify footage.
“Although I was young, I quickly mastered the use of 8mm and VHS video cameras and could edit and modify videos using the title functions on the camera, then record them onto VCR cassettes. I can say I was a videographer from a very young age, as I enjoyed capturing visuals.
“By the time I was 18, I had become fully competent with the camera. My love for watching movies sparked an interest in filmmaking, inspiring me to go beyond just capturing videos,” he said.
As technology evolved, Sibanda adapted, learning to edit using computers and software.
“As technology advanced, I further honed my skills, transitioning to DVDs and eventually editing on computers, using specialised software,” he shared.
Before venturing into filmmaking, Ronald worked as a photo and videographer, covering events like weddings, concerts and funerals from 2002 to 2009. Driven by a desire to expand his knowledge, he moved to South Africa, where he could further grow his skills in a more developed industry.
“Initially, I was focused on photography and film, television only came into the picture after 2010. I moved to South Africa because I felt there was more room to learn and grow. Their industry is very developed and they have a strong culture reflected in the arts. I had realised that there were limited career opportunities for film and television in Zimbabwe,” Sibanda said.
While he did not attend a formal film school, his growth in the industry came through mentorship. He approached Bheki Sibiya, a veteran actor, producer and cinematographer (best known for his role as Bheki Sotobe on Muvhango) at Sobabili Productions, after working on a short film called 22 Elements in 2011.
“I approached Sibiya after working on a short film titled 22 Elements in 2011, which made me realise that I still needed to refine my craft. He took me under his wing and trained me as a director and producer using the SABC’s independent producer’s manual. After that, I freelanced with numerous production companies in Johannesburg for over 10 years,” he shared.
Inspired to make a difference back home, Sibanda this year decided to establish Zinema, a film project aimed at advancing Zimbabwe’s film industry. The project draws inspiration from a thesis he wrote for the Gauteng Film Commission, a few years after his training in South Africa.
“Working in the industry helped me grow and gain a deeper understanding of the art of filmmaking. Exposure to various TV genres allowed me to explore many aspects of film development and production. After Covid-19, I relocated back home, first to Harare for a year, then to Bulawayo in the second year. I began researching on the local film and TV industry, to understand why it lags behind other established film industries in other countries.
“I realised that one key area we fall short in is human capital, which directly affects our production quality. If we can get the process right, it will greatly improve our productions. It all starts with expertise and this realisation inspired the project.”
The Zinema project, a product of Sibanda’s research, is focused on training filmmakers, actors and other creatives through hands-on projects. He envisions this as a way to attract corporate investment and advertising to sustain the industry.
The project, which has already begun, is actively recruiting filmmakers in Zimbabwe from various departments, including video editing, photography, set design and scriptwriting.
The targeted group for the project are filmmakers and actors in Bulawayo, with a background in any area of film and television production. This includes skills such as makeup, wardrobe, styling, video editing, videography, photography, scriptwriting, story writing, prop design, set design, marketing, theatre, directing and any other relevant skills in the industry. The ideal age range for participants is between 16 and 45 years.
“We’ll register youths for the programme and they’ll be grouped into classes that cover areas such as concept development, scriptwriting, production management, directing, cinematography, producing, makeup, styling, wardrobe, props, editing, colour grading, final mix, marketing, distribution and more,” he explained.
He also mentioned that, although he has previously mentored individuals in the industry on a personal basis, this programme will be a more structured approach to skill development.
“I also worked on Film 100 Africa, a movement aimed at creating new opportunities and expanding medium-scale filmmaking. We took in interns to help them transition into the real world of production after graduation or during their early years in the profession. Many of them are now working as freelancers in South Africa.”
Sibanda highlighted that the Zinema project will first be launched in Bulawayo, followed by Harare in July and then Midlands in October.
derick.khumalo