Zimbabwean Film Industry Gains Global Recognition with Award-Winning Short Film “Rise”
Zimbabwe’s film industry is quietly gaining international attention. From Mai TT’s Nigerian collaboration “Lost in Ashes” to new independent productions, local cinema is making its mark on the global stage. The short film “Rise” recently won three awards at the Lady Filmmakers Festival in Beverly Hills, California, signaling the growing global relevance of Zimbabwean storytelling.
“Rise” was written and directed by Jessica Rowlands and produced by veteran filmmaker Joe Njagu alongside Hollywood-based actor Tongayi Chirisa. The film earned Best Short Film, Best Actor for Chirisa, and Best Up-and-Coming Young Actor for eight-year-old Sikhanyiso Ngwenya.
For a production originating in Harare’s modest film environment, the recognition in Los Angeles was a major achievement. Producer Joe Njagu described it as both a victory and a statement.
“A win makes all the hard work worth it. For the local industry, it’s about getting international eyes on local stories. Films travel, and when they travel, they attract collaborations,” Njagu said.
He believes Zimbabwean cinema is undergoing a quiet revolution. “The industry is moving from the NGO-driven era of films like ‘Neria’ and ‘Yellow Card’ toward independent, commercially viable productions. Artists are now creating and selling their work, building sustainable careers.”
Njagu stressed the need for institutional support. “The sector needs investment in policy, infrastructure, co-production treaties, tax incentives, and easier access. Right now, artists wear many hats to make projects happen with limited resources.”
Njagu is preparing his next release, a feature film titled “Dilemma,” written and directed by him and produced by Malaika Mushandu. The film features a strong ensemble including Luthuli Dlamini, Albert Nyathi, Farai Chigudu, and newcomer Chloe Thandeka Ncube. It is scheduled for release at the end of the year.
For director Jessica Rowlands, the awards were both humbling and empowering. “Rise won three awards in highly competitive categories judged against films from around the world. Seeing a Zimbabwean story and our lead actors celebrated internationally is meaningful,” she said.
The recognition also highlights the talent of the film’s cast. Chirisa, known internationally for roles in iZombie and Palm Springs, delivered a performance described by Rowlands as one of his most moving. Young Ngwenya drew critical praise for his emotional depth and authenticity.
“Seeing Sikhanyiso recognised internationally is historic. It validates that Zimbabwean stories resonate globally,” Rowlands said. The film is set to premiere at the Tribeca Festival 2025 in New York, marking a first for Zimbabwean cinema.
Rowlands emphasized the importance of building a strong film ecosystem in Zimbabwe. “Our stories are universal. With funding, training, and distribution, Zimbabwean films can move beyond festivals and become part of world cinema.”
The success of “Rise” reflects a growing trend: Zimbabwean films are no longer confined to local audiences. With recognition at international festivals, the industry is poised to expand its reach, proving that homegrown stories can compete on the global stage.
