Zimbabwean Film Maneater Wins Four Awards at 2026 Rivers International Film Festival in Nigeria
Zimbabwean cinema has scored a major international achievement after Maneater, a suspense-filled African thriller, won four awards at the 2026 Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF) in Nigeria. The film, which explores manipulation, desire, power and the darker side of human relationships through a modern interpretation of vampire mythology, emerged as one of the festival’s notable productions. Its biggest achievement was winning the coveted Best Overall Film award after receiving multiple nominations. The recognition marks an important moment for the cast and production team, while highlighting the growing potential of Zimbabwean filmmakers to compete on the international stage. Directed by Mitchell Jane Jeke, Maneater demonstrates how a locally produced film can deliver an ambitious cinematic experience despite limited resources.
The film received 10 nominations across several categories, including Best Actor, Best Story and Best African Film, before securing four awards. Its success attracted attention to Zimbabwe’s contribution to African cinema, particularly at a festival that brings together filmmakers and creative professionals from different parts of the continent. The Best Overall Film recognition was especially significant because it placed the Zimbabwean production among the standout entries at the event. For the filmmakers, the achievement represented more than an award for a single production. It demonstrated the value of strong storytelling, technical preparation and committed performances in creating films that can appeal to international audiences.
At the centre of the production is 31-year-old Mitchell Jane Jeke, a Zimbabwean filmmaker, actress and content creator whose work combines several creative disciplines. She directed Maneater and brought together elements of psychological horror, erotic thriller and African vampire mythology to create a distinctive cinematic experience. Her approach reflects an interest in stories that explore complicated human relationships and the ways people use power to influence others. Jeke’s ability to work across acting, writing, directing and content creation has helped shape her creative identity. With Maneater attracting international recognition, she has further strengthened her position as an emerging voice in Zimbabwean and African filmmaking.
The film was shot in 2026 but is set in 2007, giving its story a particular period context. Despite its limited production resources, the filmmakers created a tense narrative that unfolds largely within a single mansion. The 81-minute and 41-second production was completed in just five days, with a reported budget of US$10 000. It was completed on April 29, demonstrating the speed and determination behind the production process. These figures make its international recognition particularly noteworthy, as the team managed to deliver a feature-length film without the financial resources typically associated with larger productions.
Executive producer Kudzai Sadomba described the festival awards as a major milestone for the production team and Zimbabwe’s film industry. Sadomba, who attended the festival alongside lead actress and producer Nabeelah Jogee, said representing Zimbabwe was a proud experience. He also expressed excitement about meeting and networking with established African film personalities, including John Njamah and Gentle Jack. The opportunity allowed the Zimbabwean representatives to engage with other creative professionals while showcasing the country’s filmmaking capabilities. For Sadomba, the recognition confirmed that Zimbabwean productions can make a meaningful contribution to the wider African entertainment industry.
Sadomba was particularly pleased that Maneater secured the festival’s highest award, admitting that the team had not expected to win Best Overall Film. He said the production had attracted significant attention through its nominations and highlighted the quality of its technical work and acting performances. He also pointed to the importance of being selected as the only Zimbabwean film at the festival. The recognition, according to Sadomba, demonstrated that local filmmakers can compete alongside productions from established African film industries such as Nigeria’s Nollywood. His comments reflected the team’s pride in an achievement that required considerable effort from everyone involved.
Although Sadomba has appeared in several Zimbabwean productions, including Varsity, Mirror of Personality in 2012 and Tsvimbo muSuitcase in 2016, Maneater represents his first major acting role. He portrays Maxwell Shumba, a wealthy business tycoon whose influence and financial power become central to the film’s disturbing storyline. The character is presented as a powerful but deeply flawed individual whose decisions expose his vulnerabilities. Taking on such a significant role gave Sadomba an opportunity to explore a different aspect of his creative career. His involvement as both executive producer and actor also placed him in a position to contribute to the project beyond its production management.
Lead actress Nabeelah Jogee plays Amanda, the mysterious vampire whose arrival changes Maxwell Shumba’s life. Her character is central to the film’s exploration of manipulation, desire and control. Amanda approaches the wealthy businessman with an unusual offer of three million dollars for his company in exchange for one night of total surrender. What initially appears to be a financial arrangement gradually develops into a dangerous psychological encounter. As Amanda draws out Maxwell’s deepest secrets through blood and desire, the balance of power begins to shift, turning the hunter into the hunted.
The storyline gives Maneater a distinctive approach to the vampire genre by placing African characters and themes at the centre of its narrative. Rather than relying entirely on familiar vampire conventions, the production uses the supernatural premise to examine human weaknesses and the influence of wealth. Maxwell’s financial status does not necessarily protect him from manipulation, while Amanda’s seductive power creates an atmosphere of uncertainty throughout the film. The single-location setting adds to the tension because much of the conflict unfolds within the same mansion. This creative decision places greater emphasis on dialogue, character development and performances rather than large-scale action sequences or multiple locations.
The combination of erotic thriller elements, psychological horror and African vampire mythology also gives the production a distinctive identity. Each genre contributes to the film’s exploration of fear, attraction and shifting power relationships. The mansion becomes the central setting for an encounter in which neither character can be entirely trusted. The limited setting also demands strong performances from the actors because the story depends heavily on their ability to maintain tension and communicate emotional changes. Jogee’s portrayal of Amanda provides the central force behind the narrative, while Sadomba’s Maxwell offers a contrasting character whose apparent authority gradually becomes questionable.
Jogee expressed surprise and gratitude after the film received recognition at the festival. She said the team had not expected much but appreciated the awards and the support surrounding the production. Her response reflected the excitement shared by the filmmakers, particularly given the challenges involved in producing an independent Zimbabwean feature film. As the lead actress and one of the producers, she played an important role in bringing the project to the screen. The festival recognition also represents an opportunity for her work to reach audiences beyond Zimbabwe. Her performance as Amanda has become an important part of the film’s international profile.
Sadomba also praised the cast, noting that the main actors received nominations, including Jogee. He believes the performances contributed significantly to the film’s overall reception. Acting is particularly important in a production such as Maneater, where the story relies on psychological tension and the changing relationship between two central characters. The actors must communicate complex emotions while maintaining the suspense that drives the narrative. The nominations therefore provided recognition not only for the production as a whole but also for the individual creative contributions behind it.
The achievement also carries significance because Zimbabwe has previously received recognition at the Rivers International Film Festival. Sadomba recalled that Chinhoyi 7 represented the country at the previous edition and went on to receive six nominations before winning Best Overall Film. He described Maneater’s success as another important moment for Zimbabwean cinema at the Nigerian festival. The continued presence of Zimbabwean productions at international events helps create opportunities for local filmmakers to showcase their work and build relationships with other industry professionals. It also demonstrates the potential for Zimbabwean stories to connect with audiences across different African markets.
However, Sadomba believes that international recognition alone will not be enough to unlock the full potential of Zimbabwe’s film industry. He has called for greater support, particularly at policy level, to help local filmmakers develop sustainable production businesses. Independent filmmakers often face financial and operational challenges that can limit the number and scale of projects they produce. More structured support could help improve access to funding, professional equipment, training and distribution opportunities. Such assistance would also make it easier for Zimbabwean productions to reach international festivals and commercial audiences. Sadomba believes that stronger institutional support could help the industry build on achievements such as Maneater’s success.
The film has also secured a selection at the Zambian International Film Festival, where it is scheduled to have its world premiere. This provides another opportunity for the production to reach audiences and industry professionals outside Zimbabwe and Nigeria. Festival appearances can help independent films attract attention, establish professional connections and create opportunities for wider distribution. For the Maneater team, the Zambian selection adds to an already encouraging period following the four awards in Nigeria. It also creates further exposure for the film’s cast and creative team as they continue promoting the production.
Jeke’s filmmaking journey has developed through different forms of creative work, including skits, short films and feature productions. Her formal qualification in television and film production has provided a foundation for her work behind the camera. She has also appeared in productions such as Dust and The Last ECODISH, demonstrating her versatility as a performer. Her experience in front of the camera gives her an additional perspective when directing actors and developing character-driven stories. This combination of practical experience and technical knowledge has helped shape her approach to filmmaking.
With Maneater, Jeke has demonstrated an interest in creating films that balance entertainment with deeper psychological themes. The production’s atmosphere, confined setting and supernatural elements allow her to explore questions surrounding human desire and the misuse of power. Its relatively modest budget also highlights the importance of creative planning when working with limited resources. Producing a feature film in five days requires careful coordination between the cast and crew, particularly when much of the story depends on maintaining continuity within a single location. The final recognition at RIFF suggests that the team’s efforts have found an audience beyond its home market.
The success of Maneater also offers encouragement to other independent filmmakers in Zimbabwe who want to tell original stories without relying on large production budgets. It shows that a focused concept, committed cast and clear creative direction can help a local production attract international attention. However, sustained industry growth will require more than individual achievements. Filmmakers need access to financing, technical resources, training and reliable distribution channels if they are to produce work consistently. The recognition received in Nigeria could help create conversations about these needs and encourage greater investment in Zimbabwean cinema.
Maneater’s four awards at the 2026 Rivers International Film Festival represent a significant achievement for Mitchell Jane Jeke, Kudzai Sadomba, Nabeelah Jogee and the entire production team. Its Best Overall Film award has placed the Zimbabwean thriller among the festival’s recognised productions, while its nominations have drawn attention to the cast and technical work behind the film. From its US$10 000 budget and five-day shoot to its distinctive African vampire storyline, the production demonstrates the creative possibilities available to independent filmmakers. Its upcoming appearance at the Zambian International Film Festival provides another opportunity to expand its reach. More importantly, the achievement reinforces the potential of Zimbabwean cinema to compete within the African film industry and tells a positive story about what local creative talent can accomplish with determination, skill and the right support.
