THE European Union (EU) will starting today until Sunday host the European Film Festival at Ster Kinekor in Bulawayo.
The festival, which will include screening of short films, announcements of the Zimbabwe 2024 short film winners, Skillshare connect and Input Conference with award winning filmmakers, among other programmes. In addition it aims to bring together different people who are interested in film and to build the film watching community and the film industry.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, the film Festival’s co co-ordinator and co curator Alex Gwaze said they are aiming to show stakeholders that film is a viable industry.
“Our main purpose of this festival is to build the film watching community and the film industry,” he said.
“By having this festival, we are showing people that film is a viable industry. A lot of cinemas are closing in Zimbabwe and only two are left, hence this is our way for those who are still film enthusiasts to enjoy film.”
He said they have been hosting the European Film Festival for nine years in Bulawayo and Harare and this year, they decided to spread out to Gweru and Kadoma.
“In those nine years, we have had different things happening. We also introduced the Biskop Short Film competition, which is our way to boost the local film industry and to give local filmmakers an opportunity to compete among each other and we give them cash prizes,” he said.
Gwaze indicated that they carry out Input Sessions, where local filmmakers share their experiences on how they have been engaging with filmmaking.
- CCC urged to push for dialogue over reforms
- A peep into Matenganyika’s artistic closets
- The Bioskop Short Film Competition is back
- Mangwe farmers benefit from agric projects
Keep Reading
“We also have Filamu shorts, which are curated African films as a way for us to engage with African film making audiences and industry,” he said.
“Our theme this year is all about staying connected and empowering women and the films we had this year all have a direct connection to women.
“Women have been directing the films and they also have been a huge part of the film productions.”
He added that they have European and African films and local filmmakers as a way to connect with other parts of the world.
