In a mysterious press announcement held in the outskirts of Harare, a group of prominent Zimbabwean filmmakers unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the landscape of the local film industry.
Dumisani Nyoni, Rumbi Katedza, Tomas Luthuli Brickhill and Chipo Chikara-Nyoni, are the driving force behind the Mosi O Tunya International Film Festival (MOTIFF) and are set to host the inaugural event in Victoria Falls this August.
The announcement was met with a mix of excitement and scepticism. After all, Zimbabwe has long grappled with the challenges of producing content that can gain traction on the global stage. However, the organizers are determined to shift the conversation in a new direction.
In his opening remarks, Dumisani Nyoni, the main spokesperson and co-founder, made a compelling case for the economic potential of the film industry. He argued that investing in film could be more viable than traditional commodities such as coal or maize.
“With film, I can produce something and have it all over the global scene in a matter of hours or days,” Nyoni said, highlighting the quick turnaround and export potential of the medium.
The event has secured the endorsement of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, and the organizers have pledged to represent the interests of the entire film industry, from seasoned professionals to emerging talents.
This collaboration with the National Arts Council is particularly significant, as the Zimbabwean government has deemed 2024 the “Year of Film.” The event’s organizers aim to capitalize on this momentum and drive meaningful change in an industry that has long been underappreciated.
The Mosi O Tunya International Film Festival is also backed by Fronteras Capital, a Zimbabwean investment group, underscoring the event’s focus on the business aspects of filmmaking.
This ambitious undertaking, with its global outlook and emphasis on financial discussions, aims to address the longstanding issues plaguing the Zimbabwean film industry. From the persistent brain drain to the lack of financing and resources, the organizers are determined to facilitate a much-needed renaissance.
The event’s scope extends beyond just film screenings, as the organizers have invited a diverse array of stakeholders, including writers, actors, musicians, fashion experts, and financial professionals, to participate in the discussions.
The challenges of hosting a festival of this magnitude in Victoria Falls are not lost on the organizers. The logistics, funding, and sheer ambition of the endeavour are daunting. However, the team’s passion and commitment to redefining the industry’s future are palpable.
As the Mosi O Tunya International Film Festival takes shape, the Zimbabwean film community and beyond will be watching with keen interest. This event has the potential to spark the crucial conversations about the business side of filmmaking, a topic that has often been overshadowed by the artistic merits of the industry.
If successful, this festival could pave the way for a new era of Zimbabwean cinema, one where talent, creativity, and financial viability converge to propel the industry onto the global stage.
You can check out our quick interview with Dumisani Nyoni here.
