The Cinema Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ) has emerged as a beacon of hope for filmmakers in Zimbabwe and at the helm is Richard Tenton whose passion for film is rewriting the Zimbabwean film trajectory.
Standard Style reporter Sandra Ngwaru (SN) recently had the privilege of sitting down with its founder RichardTenton (RT) to discuss various issues with regards to the CSZ and the film industry in general.
Below are excerpts from the interview.
SN: What inspired you to start the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe, and what were your goals?
RT: Well it was my lifelong aspiration and passion for the film industry. From childhood, I dreamt of being the Chuck Norris of Zimbabwe.
I was captivated by the iconic Western action films, and television dramas that were the talk of the town during my formative years. I also had a flair for creative writing and my ambition was to pursue a career in the film industry, telling authentic stories and starring in my own movies.
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However, upon closer examination of the state of the Zimbabwean film industry in 2016, I recognised that the sector was in a state of disrepair, requiring a collaborative, multi-stakeholder effort to bring it back on track and set it on a sustainable path.
While my original intention was to achieve stardom on the big screen, the necessity to address the industry's challenges became the primary catalyst for the establishment of the CSZ.
SN: What challenges has the CSZ faced, and how have you addressed them?
RT: The greatest challenge has been the limited access to funding and financial resources. We have also had challenges with lack of government support and the need for more conducive policies.
However, we have sought partnerships and sponsorships from private companies and donors to support our initiatives, such as the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (Zaftas), Jakwara Short Film Competition, and various training programmes.
This collaborative approach has also been instrumental in securing the necessary financial and material resources to sustain the organisation's operations and programming.
We also recently got an opportunity to engage with the parliamentary portfolio committee on information, media, and broadcasting services. This direct dialogue with policymakers is a strategic move to ensure that the industry’s concerns and needs are heard and addressed through appropriate legislative and regulatory framework.
SN: What is the impact of government policies on the Zimbabwean film industry?
RT: Well, the government has recognised the industry’s potential to contribute to cultural preservation, national identity, and economic growth, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
This suggests a willingness to address the industry's challenges, which, if paired with well-crafted, comprehensive policies and strategic investments, could unlock the significant social, cultural, and economic benefits that a thriving film and TV industry can bring to Zimbabwe. However, there are several gaps that need to be addressed.
Firstly, it is the lack of dedicated funding and financial incentives for film and TV productions.
This has made it difficult for the local industry to attract private investment, stifling growth and limiting the ability to produce high-quality content.
Secondly, the lack of clear guidelines on areas such as content standards, intellectual property rights, and distribution channels has created inconsistencies and uncertainties, leaving industry players vulnerable to exploitation.
The absence of policies to support local content development and incentivise foreign investment has further hampered the industry's ability to thrive.
Additionally, the underdeveloped production infrastructure and technology, a result of insufficient policy attention and investment, have posed significant barriers to the industry's growth and access to international markets.
This, coupled with limited opportunities for skills development and training, has made it challenging for the Zimbabwean film and TV sector to build a sustainable local audience and compete globally.
SN: How does the CSZ support emerging filmmakers and talent in Zimbabwe?
RT: We offer guidance and expertise to young and aspiring filmmakers. This advisory support covers a range of areas, from creative and technical aspects to the administrative and legal considerations of filmmaking.
We also offer training and skills development programmes through workshops, masterclasses, and other educational initiatives to equip emerging talents with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry.
This August, we will be hosting a Filmmaking Bootcamp in Shamva, where young aspiring filmmakers between the ages of 16 and 25 will receive hands-on training and practical experience in various aspects of the filmmaking process.
We also provide administrative support, such as assisting with funding applications, securing filming locations, and navigating bureaucratic processes.
We have also leveraged our network to connect young talents with potential collaborators, private funders, and government agencies, creating a more enabling environment for their growth.
Moreover, we have established platforms like the Zaftas, Starlight TV show and the Jakwara Short Film Competition to showcase and celebrate the work of emerging filmmakers.
These initiatives not only recognise and honour exceptional talent, but also serve as springboards for further professional development and exposure.
SN: What challenges are faced by Zimbabwean filmmakers in their quest to access global markets?
RT: Firstly, it is the lack of access to adequate production financing within the country. Independent filmmakers often struggle to self-finance their projects, which limits their ability to engage top-tier talent, acquire the best equipment, and secure the necessary crew and ancillary services.
This frequently results in productions that do not meet the high standards expected in the global marketplace.
The second challenge is the limited distribution infrastructure within Zimbabwe. With no established domestic distributors, independent filmmakers are forced to undertake the costly and arduous process of self-distribution, both within the country and internationally. The financial burden of securing global distribution also adds to the problems.
Moreover, the high costs associated with screening films in the few foreign-owned cinemas operating in Zimbabwe pose an additional barrier.
These expenses can be prohibitive for many independent filmmakers, effectively pricing them out of the local exhibition market, let alone the global stage.
SN: What partnerships or collaborations has the CSZ formed to promote Zimbabwean film globally?
RT: We have secured agreements with a Netflix agent to stream selected Zimbabwean films to international audiences.
Additionally, the CSZ has forged partnerships with a cinema chain in the United Kingdom, facilitating the theatrical release of Zimbabwean productions in the European market.
Furthermore, the CSZ has cultivated co-production arrangements with exhibitors in three African countries, creating opportunities for Zimbabwean filmmakers to collaborate regionally and expand their distribution networks.
SN: What are your hopes and vision for the future of the CSZ and the Zimbabwean film industry?
RT: Our primary hope is to continue working collaboratively with the government and other key stakeholders to establish a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem for filmmakers.
This dream includes the establishment of a thriving cinema chain across Zimbabwe, with the goal of having at least one cinema per province.
We also plan to set up an independent film fund, managed by an Independent Film Commission, to commission and license films, further supporting the growth and vibrancy of the industry.
We also seek to establish the largest international film festival in Zimbabwe within the next five years, further solidifying the country's position as a hub for cinematic excellence.
SN: Are there any exciting projects or initiatives the CSZ is currently working on that you can share with us?
RT: We have our flagship programme, the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs). It is the premier and independent film and television awards by filmmakers for filmmakers.
A vehicle to celebrate creativity and the stars who entertain and inspire us through film and television. But that’s not all; we have a fundraising diner scheduled for October where film industry stakeholders will converge to Harare for a night to remember.
SN: What have been your most notable achievements as the CSZ?
RT: The successful launch and hosting of the Zimbabwe Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs) - an event we were able to deliver without significant initial funding or prior experience in event management.
This not only showcased the wealth of talent within Zimbabwe's screen industries, but also helped raise the profile of local content.
Another significant achievement has been the Starlight television program, where we are able to promote and celebrate the work of Zimbabwean screen professionals, both at home and abroad.
Perhaps the crowning glory, however, has been the opportunity to engage directly with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services.
This platform has allowed us to advocate for the needs of the film and television sectors, and contribute constructively to the policy discussions that will shape the industry's future.
While there is certainly more work to be done, these achievements demonstrate the CSZ's commitment to elevating Zimbabwean screen content, professionalizing the industry, and fostering an environment conducive to its sustainable growth.
We remain steadfast in our mission and look forward to building on these successes in the years to come.