The 2023 European Film Festival is bigger and better
By Dickson Bandera
The European Film Festival Zimbabwe kicked off yesterday in Harare with the opening day attracting encouraging numbers from the film and creative arts practioners as well as members of the public.
The Festival runs from the 20th to the 22nd of October at the Mbare Art Space in Harare and on 26-28 October at Ster-Kinekor Centre in Bulawayo.
Held under the theme, “Crossing Borders, the festival is entirely free and open to the public. The theme resonates with the European Union and it’s Member States’ commitment to fostering exchanges through all forms of cultural expression, including the medium of filmmaking.
Featuring a diverse line up of 6 European and 21 African movies, extending across 6 days and two vibrant cities, the festival promises an array of compelling elements: engaging input sessions, enriching masterclasses, stimulating discussions, and the thrilling BIOSKOP competition.
Ambassador of the European Union H.E. Jobst von Kirchmann, said, “Movies serve as a universal language for cultural encounters, transcending boundaries, and uniting people through shared stories. This year’s European Film Festival has taken another step forward towards becoming a Zimbabwe-EU platform for savouring European and African cinema and for fostering the growth of the Zimbabwean local film industry.”
This festival guarantees a captivating array of European, African, and Zimbabwean films, extending a warm invitation to film practitioners, enthusiasts, and the broader Zimbabwean public to dive into the world of cinema.
Festival Highlights
BIOSKOP Short Film Competition: Celebrate the creativity of Zimbabwean filmmakers.
African Filamu Shorts: Journey through 10 short films that shed light on the unique experiences of Africans.
Input Conference: Explore the prospects and challenges of Zimbabwean film and media as they venture into the digital realm.
Masterclasses: Immerse yourself in the wisdom of experienced filmmakers and industry professionals.
Workshops: Dive into the world of filmmaking, screenwriting, and editing with hands-on workshops.
Panel Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking conversations on various aspects of film and the film industry.
Pre-movie cocktails: EU Member States Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Sweden will this year also host pre-screening cocktails.
