THE European Film Festival Zimbabwe has announced the shortlisted filmmakers and actors for the fifth edition of the BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition.

This year’s competition, themed Beyond Boundaries: Empowering Women Through Film and Staying Connected, showcases the creativity of Zimbabwean filmmakers through short films reflecting diverse perspectives and experiences.

In a statement yesterday, festival co-ordinator Mercy Mangwana Nyamhunga expressed delight over the quality of the work of the filmmakers.

“We were blown away by the quality and diversity of submissions,” she said.

“From thought-provoking documentaries to visually stunning animations and compelling narratives, filmmakers showcased a wide range of styles and approaches.”

Nyamhunga added: “We received an impressive 56 submissions, demonstrating the vibrant storytelling talent within Zimbabwe. An independent jury panel of industry professionals, academics, community and business leaders carefully selected the shortlist.”

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The winners will be announced and showcased during the European Film Festival Zimbabwe from October 11 to 19, with a cash prize being awarded for each winning film.

Some of the shortlisted films include Worker Bee by Welensky Chamunorwa, My Husband Joe by Derby Bheta, and Fat Bastard by Jonathan Samkange in the Best Narrative category.

The European Film Festival Zimbabwe has evolved into a platform celebrating diverse storytelling, nurturing the local film industry and offering opportunities for Zimbabwean filmmakers to engage and collaborate nationally and internationally.

The festival’s main events will take place at Mbare Art Space in Harare, Ster Kinekor in Bulawayo, with additional pop-up screenings in Kadoma and Gweru.

The winners will be announced at the festival opening ceremony on October 12.

The independent jury panel for the 2024 Bioskop Short Film Competition comprises industry professionals, academics, community and business leaders including Prosper Kunyetu, Sibongile Mlambo, Matthieu Eberhardt, Daniel Lasker and Tanyaradzwa Fear, who were tasked with judging the submissions.

Below are names of the shortlisted films, scriptwriters and filmmakers.

Best Narrative

Worker Bee — by Welensky Chamunorwa

My husband Joe — by Derby Bheta

Fat Bastard — by Jonathan Samkange

Best Documentary

Before the Storm — by Jared Mohan Matthew Bunga

Chasing Levels — by Dumie Manyathela

From Huts to Pots — by Tswarelo Peter Mothobe

Best Cinematography

Fat Bastard — by Jonathan Samukange

Before the Storm — by Jared Mohan Matthew Bunga

Taxi — Jonathan Samukange

Best Sound

Hello beautiful — by Leonel Jason Fowdar

My brother’s Keeper — by Tinashe Dorobeni

Queue For A Dream — by Xolani Thomas Mkwananzi and Clinton Zvoushe

Best Diaspora Narrative

Kuchema the Soundscape — by Chipo Mapondera, Joel Chandauka

Therapist — by Admire Zimbeva

Zithobeni — by Andile Masombuka & Felix Badza

Best Actor/Actress

Dalma Chiwereva — My husband Joe

Chiedza Rwodzi — in Anne

Aubrey S — in Fat Bastard

The European Film Festival Zimbabwe is a testament to the power of film in bridging cultural divides and empowering creative voices.
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