Zimbabwe Launches Groundbreaking Film and Television Strategy
Today, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation, will officially launch a five-year blueprint strategy for the country’s film and television industry. The event, scheduled to take place at Golden Conifer in Mabelreign, Harare, aims to address key challenges faced by the sector, including the lack of regulation, funding issues, and the need for stronger industry structures.
The launch follows a comprehensive nationwide survey conducted by the NACZ, which explored topics such as censorship, production ethics, representation in film, and the impact of technological advancements. The findings of the survey, along with the NACZ’s recommendations, will be presented at the launch, with a clear alignment to Zimbabwe’s national vision of achieving an upper middle-income economy by 2030. This vision, echoing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s commitment to “leaving no one and no place behind,” seeks to position the film and television sector as a key contributor to the country’s socio-economic development.
In a statement, NACZ Communications and Marketing Manager, Agga Nyabinde, emphasized the importance of the blueprint for revitalizing the industry. “Together with the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation, we have developed this five-year strategy to invigorate, rebuild, and sustain the film and television sector. We believe this document will serve as a guiding tool for future policies and provide the necessary support to the creative community,” Nyabinde said.
The NACZ also extended an invitation to industry stakeholders, urging them to attend the launch and contribute their input. “This blueprint is a collective effort, and we need all hands on deck to make it work,” Nyabinde added. The event is expected to foster discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector and encourage synergies among local and international filmmakers.
The initiative comes at a crucial time, as players in the sector have been calling for the establishment of proper regulations and structures to support the growth of Zimbabwe’s film and television industry. The launch follows a series of discussions, including a round-table event held at the European Film Festival in October, where key industry players gathered to exchange ideas on how to strengthen the sector.
Over the years, despite facing financial constraints and a lack of institutional support, Zimbabwe’s film and television sector has produced internationally acclaimed talent. Notable figures such as Danai Gurira, Tongayi Arnold Chirisa, and Anthony Mutambira, the EMMY-winning producer of “Friendship Bench,” have made significant strides on the global stage. However, there has been a continued demand for a regulatory framework that can help address the industry’s challenges and ensure its sustainable growth.
As Zimbabwe’s film and television industry continues to make strides globally, today’s launch marks a pivotal moment for the sector’s future. The five-year blueprint strategy is expected to provide the necessary guidance, collaboration, and investment to position the industry for greater success in the years to come.
