Mandisoul Applauds EuroFilmFestZW for Gender-Inclusive Jury

Film producer Marc “Mandisoul” Mandisora has praised the European Film Festival Zimbabwe (EuroFilmFestZW) for its decision to include more female adjudicators in the 6th Bioskop Short Film Competition.

The competition, whose entry deadline is April 6, is a key highlight of the annual festival. This year, EuroFilmFestZW will celebrate its 10th anniversary, running for 10 days from May 30 to June 8.

Internationally acclaimed film actor and producer Sue-Ellen Chitunya has joined the jury lineup alongside Prosper Kunyetu, Daniel Lasker, Sibongile Mlambo, and Hanieh Ziaei, all of whom are dedicated to upholding best practices in the film industry.

The jury has a limited timeframe—no more than two months—to select winners across various categories, including Best Narrative Short (US$800), Best Documentary Short (US$800), Best Sound Editing (US$400), Best Cinematography (US$400), Best Diaspora Film (US$400), and Best Actor or Actress (US$400).

To be eligible, entrants must be Zimbabwean residents, based, living, or working in Zimbabwe, or of Zimbabwean heritage residing in any European or African country.

Traditionally, the first Saturday evening of the 10-day festival features the screening of winning films from the Bioskop Short Film Competition. However, finer details of this year’s festival are yet to be announced.

Mandisoul’s Perspective on Gender Equality in Film

Mandisoul, who recently concluded a successful nationwide tour with his film Dunamis, commended the European Film Festival Zimbabwe for setting the pace in promoting gender-equal opportunities. His film was well received in Harare, Mutare, Gweru, and Bulawayo, following a route similar to last year’s EuroFilmFestZW. Inspired by the festival’s growth, Mandisoul expressed his aspiration to one day establish his own film festival.

EuroFilmFestZW began as a platform for showcasing European films but has since evolved into a major event embracing Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity. Last year, the festival expanded to Harare, Kadoma, Gweru, and Bulawayo, aligning with the theme Celebrating Women.

Countries such as Italy, France, Ireland, Portugal, and Germany have previously participated, with each nation sponsoring film screenings.

Meet the Adjudicators

• Daniel Lasker – A multi-talented actor and filmmaker from Bulawayo, known for roles in One Piece (Netflix), Raised by Wolves (HBO Max), and Noughts & Crosses (BBC One).
• Hanieh Ziaei – A film critic and analyst specializing in women’s representation in cinema and the intersection of film and social activism.
• Prosper Kanyetu – A cinematographer and filmmaker with an impressive portfolio, including I Wear My Culture, Fashion Film, and Innovation for Change Africa: Short Documentaries Project.
• Sibongile Mlambo – An international actress, producer, and storyteller with a filmography that includes Lost in Space (Netflix), Black Sails (Starz), and Honey 3.
• Sue-Ellen Chitunya – A globally recognized film actor and producer, adding her expertise to this year’s adjudication panel.

The inclusion of more female jurors signals a significant step toward greater representation and equity in Zimbabwe’s growing film industry. As EuroFilmFestZW marks its 10th anniversary, expectations are high for another groundbreaking celebration of cinematic excellence.