European Film Festival Zimbabwe Announces 2025 Bioskop Short Film Competition Shortlist

As we count down to the 10th edition of the European Film Festival, which kicks off on May 30, the European Film Festival Zimbabwe has revealed the highly anticipated shortlist for the 2025 Bioskop Short Film Competition. The festival, running from May 30 to June 1 at Mbare Art Space in Harare and from June 6 to 8 at Amakhosi Theatre in Bulawayo, promises to be a celebration of talent, creativity, and women in the film industry.

According to EuroFilmFestZW, the jury was thoroughly impressed by the quality of the submissions this year, noting the powerful storylines and artistic depth present in the films. The shortlist features films across six categories, each showcasing some of the most compelling voices in Zimbabwean cinema. The 10th edition of the festival continues its tradition of empowering women, running under the theme “She Means Business!”.

This year’s festival honors influential women in the industry, including actress, playwright, and activist Danai Gurira, actress and activist Chipo Chung, multifaceted filmmaker Beauty Nakai Tsuro, and producer and member of the Oscars Academy Sue Ellen Chitunya. These trailblazing women exemplify the festival’s mission to shine a light on those who have contributed significantly to the arts and social change.

The winners of the Bioskop Short Film Competition will be revealed on May 30 during the festival’s opening night at the Mbare Art Space in Harare. Below is the full list of the finalists across the competition’s categories:

Best Narrative

• Underrated Strokes by Ndabezinhle Khoza
• Bureau De Change by Chioniso Tsikisayi & Clinton Zvoushe
• Peggy by Jonathan Samukange

Best Documentary

• Pillow by Erick Leo Jakata
• Coach Mercy by Tenford Chitanana
• Weaving a Future Past: An Artist’s Journey Home by Prince Sivalo Mahlangu
• The Role of Women in Preserving Traditional Knowledge by Tinashe Simon Ziswa

Best Sound Editing

• Good Days by Derrick Manieca
• Peggy by Jonathan Samukange
• Underrated Strokes by Ndabezinhle Khoza
• The Holder by Wayne Tabaka Ndebele

Best Cinematography

• Good Days by Derrick Manieca
• Underrated Strokes by Ndabezinhle Khoza
• Mandlovu by Tamudaishe Ngwaru

Best Actor/Actress

• Fulu Mugovhani in Burns and Song
• Albert Chigiya in Peggy
• Angeline Cinatra Moyo in Peggy

Best Diaspora Narrative

• Olympics at the Beach by Kudzi Synos
• Go for the Head by Andile J Gumbo

The Bioskop Short Film Competition continues to serve as a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and gain recognition. The competition’s categories highlight the diversity of talent in Zimbabwe’s film industry, from narrative films to documentaries and technical achievements in sound and cinematography.

The 10th edition of the European Film Festival Zimbabwe is set to be an exciting and transformative event for both local and international filmmakers. With its focus on women’s contributions to the arts and an impressive lineup of films, the festival is poised to make a lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape.