European Film Festival Zimbabwe: Short film competition shortlist revealed

By Showbiz Correspondent

The shortlist for this year’s ‘BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition’ which is organised by the European Film Festival Zimbabwe has been released.

The festival was launched by the European Union in 2016 and, over the past seven years, it has evolved from the showcasing of European movies into a platform for “diverse and visually unique storytelling, celebrating both European and African cinema”.

The festival now plays a key role in nurturing the development of the local film industry, offering valuable opportunities for Zimbabwean filmmakers to engage and collaborate on both national and international scales.

According to the organisers, this year the competition seeks to spotlight the creativity of Zimbabwean filmmakers through short films that reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences of Zimbabweans.

“We were blown away by the quality and diversity of the submissions to this year’s BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition,” said festival coordinator Mercy Mangwana Nyamhunga.

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

“We were also excited to introduce the new Best Actor/Actress award category this year, which allowed us to recognize outstanding performances in the competition.”

Some 56 submissions were received for the competition, a development the organisers described as “a testament to the vibrant storytelling talent within Zimbabwe”

“The competition also encourages a broader range of voices and viewpoints, with a particular focus on stories that transcend gender and inspire inclusivity,” the organisers said in a statement this week.

“The competition provides an invaluable platform for Zimbabwean filmmakers to present their work to a broader audience and connect with industry networks.”

Winning films in each category will be announced and showcased during the European Film Festival Zimbabwe, scheduled from October 11 to 19, 2024.

Main events will take place at Mbare Art Space in Harare, Ster Kinekor in Bulawayo, with additional pop-up screenings in Kadoma at Campbell Theatre and Gweru at the Memorial Library.

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.

THE SHORTLIST:

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 & 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