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European Film Festival Zimbabwe: Jury panel includes US-based Sibongile Mlambo
By Showbiz Correspondent
THE European Film Festival Zimbabwe has announced an “incredible” jury panel for this year’s edition of the annual ‘Bioskop Short Film Competition’.
This year’s theme, “Beyond Boundaries: Empowering Women Through Film,” seeks to celebrate Zimbabwean filmmaking talent and stories that explore gender and the power of human connection.
Now in its ninth edition, the festival will this year be running from the 11th to 19th of October 2024, with the main events in Harare at Mbare Art Space and Ster Kinekor in Bulawayo while pop-up screenings will be conducted in Kadoma and Gweru.
Established by the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe and its Member States in 2016, the European Film Festival Zimbabwe (#EuroFilmFestZW) has become one of Zimbabwe’s leading film industry events.
“The EuroFilmFestZW has offered a platform of diverse and visually unique storytelling, a celebration of both European and African cinema. The festival provides a platform for cultural exchange and is a celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich culture and filmmaking heritage,” the organisers said in a statement.
“Over the years, the EuroFilmFestZW has developed and grown from showcasing European films, to functioning as a full-fledged film festival.
“With programming specific to the development of the local film industry, the festival has facilitated opportunities to both engage and educate Zimbabwean filmmakers at an international level.”
2024 JURY PANEL
“These distinguished individuals bring a unique blend of expertise and perspectives to the Bioskop jury, ensuring a rigorous and insightful selection process.”
The Zimbabwean-born actress and producer got her start in the feature film “Kini & Adams” which was filmed on location in Domboshawa. Now based in Los Angeles, she is best known for her roles in “Florida Man,” “Siren,” “Lost in Space,” and “Teen Wolf.” Her film credits include “Message From the King” alongside the late Chadwick Boseman, “The Last Face” starring Charlize Theron & Javier Bardem, and “Honey 3” playing the fierce dancer Ishani opposite Cassie Ventura & Kenny Wormald. She produced the short film “The Sadness In Freedom,” which premiered at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in May 2024 and is currently working on her next short in collaboration with her siblings, a Zimbabwean story called “Veins of the Veld.” Her upcoming projects include Starz’ “Powerbook III: Raising Kanan” produced by 50 Cent & & “Hindsight: The Day Before,” alongside Santiago Cabrera & John Goodman, premiering July 22nd 2024.
- Matthieu Eberhardt
Matthieu is a French film enthusiast with a background in festivals and film promotion. He currently works in acquisitions at Be For Films, an international sales company based in Belgium that curates independent films from both Belgian and international directors for festivals, distributors, and broadcasters. Besides, Matthieu worked at Festival Scope, a VOD platform showcasing films from global festivals online. His experience also includes roles for the European Parliament, ARTE, and Télérama, where he focused on promoting the diversity of European auteur cinema to a wide audience.
- Prosper Kunyetu
Representing Zimbabwe’s vibrant filmmaking scene is Prosper is currently a Co-Founder and Cinematographer at Creative Mice Films, bringing experience from previous roles at Freelance, Maverick Media Zimbabwe and Picturehub. Prosper Kunyetu holds a 2006 – 2009 Glen View 1 High School. With a robust skill set that includes Motion Graphics, After Effects, Photoshop, Cinematography, Photography and more, Prosper Kunyetu contributes valuable insights to the industry.
- Daniel Lasker
A true Zimbabwean talent, Daniel is both a captivating actor on screens big and small, and a dedicated director. His Acting credits include “One Piece” on Netflix, “Raised By Wolves”, on HBO Max, “Noughts & Crosses” on BBC One, “Vagrant Queen” on SYFY, “Abraham Lincoln” on History and “London Calling”. Although primarily an Actor, Daniel is fiercely passionate about telling stories, either from in front of, or behind the lens. Growing up in Zimbabwe (which didn’t have an active film industry at the time), he taught himself how to make films, which were well received by the local community and various foreign film festivals.
- Tanyaradzwa Fear
Award-winning actress and filmmaker, Tanyaradzwa is a versatile filmmaker and actress dedicated to creating content that empowers women and promotes a kinder society. With a strong background in acting, she has delivered notable performances in “Nessie”, “Kick-Ass 2”, “A Moving Image”, and popular TV series like “Dr Who”, and “Spotless”. Recognized for her talent and potential, Tanyaradzwa was named one of BAFTA Los Angeles’ 25 Rising Stars, solidifying her position as a promising talent in the entertainment industry.