Multi award winning American actress Viola Davis has given the highly acclaimed Zimbabwean short film, RISE, her seal of approval. Describing it as moving, the actress lauded the film’s story of resilience and stated that it was a story that deserved to be seen.
Viola Davis via social media: “I’ve seen this incredible short film from Zimbabwe, and it moved me to my core. RISE tells the story of a young boy fighting for strength, safety, and hope in a world that has forgotten him – and it does so with unforgettable performances and stunning humanity. This film is a powerful reminder that even in the harshest circumstances, the human spirit has an incredible capacity for joy, wonder and love.
This was the first Zimbabwean film ever to screen at Tribeca earlier this year, and I’m honoured to help amplify it and the artists behind it. The film was shot entirely in Zimbabwe by a female writer-director with an all-African cast and production crew and is breaking records for Zimbabwean cinema.
Please take a moment to watch the trailer and share this film. Stories like this deserve to be seen.“
Rise has qualified for consideration for the Oscar Awards and Viola Davis’ further strengthens its case. The actress is a member of the Academy and therefore participates in Oscar voting.
Rise was produced by Joe Njagu, a pioneer of Zimbabwean cinema whose acclaimed film Cook Off became the first Zimbabwean feature acquired by Netflix.
The film has so far won 17 awards and hasover 50 film festival selections. It became the first Zimbabwean film ever to be screened at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The film has been submitted for the Best Live Action Short category at the Oscar Awards.
You can watch the trailer for Rise here.
