RISE, a short film starring Tongayi Chirisa, is officially eligible for Oscar consideration in a landmark moment for Zimbabwean cinema. This is the first Zimbabwean made film, short or otherwise, to be in consideration for Hollywood’s biggest night in cinema.
A story of joy and survival, the powerful film is written and directed by Jessie Rowlands, a two-time UCLA Screenwriting Award winner. The film is inspired by the true story of Tobias Mupfuti, a boxing coach who’s life mission is the upliftment of disadvantaged kids through his orphanage and academy in Victoria Falls. The film stars renowned actor Tongayi Chirisa and breakout star Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, who became the youngest actor to win the Outstanding Actor at the 2025 NAMA Awards.
The film was shot entirely in Zimbabwe, with an all African cast and crew. Over the past year it has been breaking records for Zimbabwean cinema, with 17 awards and over 50 film festival selections. It became the first Zimbabwean film ever to be screened at the Tribeca Film Festival.
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 been submitted for the Best Live Action Short category, and if it’s trailblazing journey across the globe is anything to go by then there’s a strong chance it’s going to be among the nominees.
