The Mbare Art Space was a melting pot of culture and art last night as the 2023 European Film Festival Zimbabwe was officially opened. The event was graced by patrons of the arts, dignitaries from various European countries with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Mr Nicholas Moyo being the guest honour.
The events of the day kicked off with a National Film Policy ROUND TABLE that hosted engaging conversations between the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe & Film Practitioners. As the afternoon waned opening remarks were preceded by a mixer and performance from Township Jazz legends Filbert Marowa, Clancy Mbirimi, T Bright and Isaac Chirwa. The quartet performed rising renditions of some of the country’s favourite classics
His Excellency the Ambassador of the European Union to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann gave the opening remarks, in which he celebrated the spirit of collaboration and hard work that went into organising the festival. He emphasised the importance of not forgetting the creatives behind the art we consume, and working towards seeing the arts as an industry that can contribute to the GDP.
We go and we watch a film. We go in a bar and we listen to music but we often forget that behind that they’re people and they’re livelihoods… While we consume easily and say it’s great to have music and it’s nice to watch a film we forget that people have to live from that. And I think this kind of event is an event where maybe we realise a bit more that there’s also an industry of arts.
As the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Mr Nicholas Moyo officially opened the event, he revealed that film would be getting additional support from the ministry as it has been agreed at the National Arts Council to make 2024 the year of film. The Permanent Secretary also expressed the importance of “crossing borders” and called upon the European Film Festival Zimbabwe to expand beyond Harare and Bulawayo.
Let it not be Bulawayo and Harare forever. When you’re doing your 8th edition, think about what other cities, what other centres, this festival can impact.
This clarion call to cross borders by the ministry is something already being embraced by the Zimbabwe International Film Festival who are embarking on hosting their 2023 edition across several cities in November.
The winners of this year’s “BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition” were announced to great applause before the screening of their brilliant works. The BEST NARRATIVE was won by “My Name is My Name” directed by Xolani Mkwananzi & Clinton Zvoushe. While BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY went to Mann Friday’s music video for “Fight For Me” which was directed by Kalai Faye Barlow.
BEST SOUND EDITING was awarded Daughter Of The Soil by Derrick Manieca. The BEST DOCUMENTARY was “Create Zim: Art Across Cities” directed by Takunda Aaron Chimutashu and the BEST DIASPORA was “Enigma Gems” directed by Admire Zimbeva & Bonginkosi Khumalo.
The short films showcased displayed an ever growing ability in local filmmakers in all aspects of film production. The audience at the Mbare Art Space was captivated to point of almost snuffing out all conversation. This year’s 5 winning short films were selected from a pool of over 50 submissions.
The 2023 European Film Festival Zimbabwe will run from 20 to 22 October at the Mbare Art Space in Harare and from 26 to 28 October at Ster-Kinekor Centre in Bulawayo. It is free for anyone to attend.
