Reviving Zimbabwe’s Film and Television Industry: Opportunities and Challenges
The global film and television industry has transformed into a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse, with regions like Hollywood, Bollywood, and Nollywood leading the charge. These film industries have achieved widespread recognition for their iconic storytelling and artistic contributions. However, building a successful film industry requires not only creativity and talent but also significant financial investment. In South Africa, the local film industry is thriving, but it faces challenges, particularly in funding. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s film industry has immense potential, yet it is still grappling with financial limitations.
Zimbabwean filmmakers often rely on self-funding to bring their projects to life. Despite these challenges, the country’s talent continues to shine on the global stage. Internationally recognized actors like Arnold Tongayi Chirisa and Danai Gurira have made waves in Hollywood. Their success serves as a testament to the immense talent emerging from Zimbabwe. Yet, both Chirisa and Gurira remain committed to supporting their local film industry, often returning home to engage with local actors and filmmakers.
In 2024, Chirisa, Gurira, and fellow actor Chipo Chung were honored as international cultural ambassadors at the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs). Their work and influence have inspired hope within the industry. They have been urged to use their platforms to promote the Zimbabwean film sector, encouraging greater investment and recognition. However, the general sentiment remains that proper regulation is needed for the sector to flourish sustainably. The convergence of art and technology demands attention from both arts regulatory authorities and the government to ensure that film and television can continue to grow and thrive.
A positive step forward came in the form of the recently launched five-year film and television blueprint strategy. Spearheaded by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, the initiative aims to address the challenges facing the sector and chart a course for its revitalization. The strategy was unveiled in Harare and marks a significant milestone in the effort to provide more structure and stability for the industry.
The launch event attracted prominent figures from the film and television world, such as Stephen Chigorimbo, Aaron Chiundura Moyo, and Nakai Tsuro. The discussions were wide-ranging, addressing issues such as censorship, production ethics, funding, and representation in film. The blueprint also aligned with Zimbabwe’s national vision of achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, as outlined by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This alignment signifies a broader commitment to the arts as part of Zimbabwe’s economic and cultural development.
Additionally, filmmakers like Joe Njagu, Eddie Sandifolo, and Charlene Furusa have made remarkable strides in the industry. They have risen from humble beginnings and are working to elevate Zimbabwean cinema. Yet, the consensus among industry professionals is clear: the sector requires better regulation to survive and thrive in the long term.
The European Union Film Festival (EUFF), held from October 10–13, 2024, played an important role in fostering dialogue between local filmmakers and international industry experts. The festival featured African film collections, including screenings focused on Ubuntu and Pan-Africanism, which encouraged local filmmakers to tell their own stories. The festival, held at Mbare Art Space, a creative hub for local youth and filmmakers, also offered valuable networking opportunities for Zimbabwean talent.
Among the many local filmmakers, Nkosilathi Khumalo, a US-based director from Bulawayo, is working to showcase Zimbabwe on the global stage. He is currently developing a film to promote the country ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The movie, set to be unveiled in January 2025, aims to highlight Zimbabwe’s culture and potential as a global player. This project will provide exposure for Zimbabwean talent and culture on an international platform, demonstrating the possibilities for Zimbabwe’s film industry in the global arena.
Despite these promising efforts, the complexities of filmmaking — from scriptwriting to production, cinematography, and editing — demand substantial funding, proper regulation, and a steady stream of talent to propel the industry forward. 2024 has seen positive signs of revival, particularly as local television stations like ZTN are providing platforms for Zimbabwean filmmakers to showcase their work to a wider audience.
With a concerted effort to address regulatory challenges and secure the necessary funding, Zimbabwe’s film and television industry is poised for a resurgence. If filmmakers, the government, and other stakeholders continue to collaborate, the future of the industry looks bright. As the country works to overcome financial constraints and institutional hurdles, Zimbabwe has the potential to carve out a significant place in the global film and television landscape.
