Harare – The 6th edition of the BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition, the annual event that celebrates the creativity of Zimbabwean filmmakers, is here! The flagship film competition for the European Film Festival Zimbabwe, is currently asking for submissions from Zimbabwean filmmakers.
Are you a passionate storyteller? Do you have a story that deserves to be seen on the big screen? This is your moment! The BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition is your chance to showcase your talent, share compelling narratives, and have your work recognized on a national platform.
This year marks a special milestone for #EuroFilmFestZW. For the past 10 years, the festival has provided a platform for cultural exchange, thought-provoking storytelling and cinematic excellence, showcasing European and African films and fostering dialogue. BIOSKOP! plays a vital role in this mission by nurturing local talent and providing a launchpad for emerging filmmakers.
“As we commemorate a decade of European Film Festival Zimbabwe, this year’s BIOSKOP! short film competition is dedicated to ‘Celebrating Women.’ We invite filmmakers to interpret this theme broadly and creatively. From personal stories and historical tributes, to abstract explorations of strength, resilience, or femininity, all perspectives are welcome.” – Euro Film Fest Zimbabwe
Films that highlight how women inspire, challenge, and redefine our world – on-screen and off – are being encouraged. This year’s competition is a celebration of women’s impact on society and in cinema as the festival looks back on it’s 10-year journey. It hopes women are honoured through diverse storytelling and show how women inspire change, break barriers, and leave enduring legacies.
The BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition welcomes films across various genres, including animation, documentary, and live action. The festival also understands that some filmmakers have limited resources and thus hopes filmmakers will be innovative.
• Who can apply?
To be eligible for this competition you must be of Zimbabwean heritage, based, living or working in Zimbabwe or in any European or African country.
Participating filmmakers who have family members organizing or judging the competition must advise the Festival Coordinators of their relationship with the of participating jury/judges to avoid conflict of interest.
• Submission Deadline: 6 April 2025, 11:59 PM CAT.
• Submission Platform: https://filmfreeway.com/TheEuropeanFilmFestivalZimbabwe
Prizes and Recognition
An independent jury panel of industry professionals, academics, and community leaders will judge entries based on content, creativity, and technical aspects. The competition boasts various categories and awards, with the winning films receiving cash prizes:
•Best Narrative Short – $800
•Best Documentary Short – $800
•Best Sound Editing – $400
•Best Cinematography – $400
•Best Diaspora Film – $400
•Best Actor/Actress – $400
The European Film Festival was launched by the European Union in 2016. Over the past ten years, the European Film Festival has evolved from the showcasing of European movies into a platform for diverse and visually unique storytelling, celebrating both European and African cinema. It now plays a contributing role in nurturing the development of the local film industry.
2025 marks the 10th Edition of the European Film Festival Zimbabwe which will be running from the 30 May – 8 June 2025. With the main events in Harare and in Bulawayo.
