Moffat Takadiwa Hails EUFilmFestZW 10th Harare Edition as the Best Yet

Renowned Zimbabwean visual artist and curator Moffat Takadiwa has declared the just-concluded 10th edition of the European Union Film Festival Zimbabwe (EUFilmFestZW) in Harare the best in the festival’s history. The event, which ran under the theme She Means Business, ended on June 1 after a week of film screenings, cultural performances, workshops, and awards that left an indelible mark on Harare’s creative scene.

The festival kicked off on May 24 at Mbare Art Space with the screening of Service to Heart (2024), a poignant Zambian drama about a mother grappling with her child’s terminal illness and the ethical dilemma of euthanasia. It ended with the powerful film On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, written and directed by Zambian filmmaker Rungano Nyoni. The closing film tackled themes of trauma, grief, and unspoken family truths, earning praise for its emotional depth and narrative structure.

Takadiwa, who manages the Mbare Art Space and is a prominent voice in Zimbabwe’s art sector, praised the festival for raising the bar in terms of content, engagement, and presentation. “I think this year has marked so many improvements, especially when considering the quality of films, stage design, and better engagement of societies,” said Takadiwa. “Film should be the easiest medium used to connect people and their societies.” He further emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, calling on government, NGOs, and the corporate world to offer more support to the film and creative industries. “The Mbare Art Space is a central space that is very conducive for film and many other cultural activities. The arts and creative sector have helped in getting people to find areas of connection. We had a good exhibition in the Star Building from youthful creatives,” he added.

EUFilmFestZW 2024 in Harare was more than just a film festival—it was a celebration of African creativity and collaboration. The opening night featured an electrifying musical performance titled The Mixer, with European Union green ambassador Mary Anibal and local percussionist Othnell Mangoma. The two later teamed up with artist Worae to form Celestial Ecstasy Trio, closing the evening with a spirited live performance.

The festival also held its Ultrashort & Bioskop Short Film Competition, awarding standout filmmakers and showcasing their work to a broad audience. In addition to screenings, the event hosted educational activities designed to uplift emerging talent in Zimbabwe’s film sector.

A series of high-profile workshops gave creatives invaluable learning opportunities. Award-winning Zimbabwean actress Sibongile Mlambo conducted an acting masterclass on May 29, sharing insights from her Hollywood experience on productions like Siren, Teen Wolf, and Power Book III: Raising Kanan. Filmmaker and educator Rumbi Katedza led two days of hands-on workshops focused on documentary filmmaking. Participants explored different storytelling methods and practical filming techniques, deepening their understanding of capturing reality through film.

Curated by Alex Gwaze, the Input Conference tackled cutting-edge issues in the arts sector. Highlights included a lecture by Angeline Dimingo on adapting to artificial intelligence in Zimbabwe’s creative industries, exploring both the threats and potential of AI technology. Amanda Ranganawa presented on film as a catalyst for social change, while Cook Off actress and film advocate Tendaishe Chitima gave a compelling talk on Pan-African Cinema in the age of streaming, encouraging Zimbabwean filmmakers to position themselves globally.

On May 31, Violet Tafadzwa Senderai curated Filamu Shorts, an all-African film showcase at Mbare Art Space, presenting a collection of powerful narratives that celebrated African stories and filmmakers.

As the curtains fell on the Harare edition, focus now shifts to Bulawayo where the festival continues from June 6 to June 9, bringing the same energy and cultural celebration to the country’s second-largest city. With widespread participation, compelling storytelling, and a strengthened focus on women’s voices in cinema, the 10th EUFilmFestZW has positioned itself as a critical platform for Zimbabwean and African filmmakers. As Takadiwa noted, it’s a space where art, identity, and community meet—making this year’s edition not only memorable, but transformative.