By George Swarei
Harare– The BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition, a key feature of the European Film Festival Zimbabwe, has revealed its shortlisted filmmakers and actors for the 2024 edition. With themes centered on “Beyond Boundaries: Empowering Women Through Film” and “Staying Connected,” the competition highlights Zimbabwean stories told through diverse and compelling lenses.
This year, 56 submissions showcased the rich storytelling talent within the country, offering narratives that transcend gender and encourage inclusivity. The shortlisted films and performances were selected from a variety of genres, including thought-provoking documentaries, captivating narratives, and visually stunning animations. In addition to recognizing filmmaking craft, the introduction of the Best Actor/Actress award is a notable feature of this year’s competition, celebrating outstanding performances.
The winners will be announced on October 12 at the festival’s opening ceremony at Mbare Art Space in Harare, with screenings taking place at several locations, including Bulawayo’s Ster Kinekor, Campbell Theatre in Kadoma, and Gweru’s Memorial Library.
Shortlisted Filmmakers and Actors:
Best Narrative
- Worker Bee – Welensky Chamunorwa
- My Husband Joe – Derby Bheta
- Fat Bastard – Jonathan Samkange
Best Documentary - Before the Storm – Jared Mohan Matthew Bunga
- Chasing Levels– Dumie Manyathela
- From Huts to Pots– Tswarelo Peter Mothobe
Best Cinematography - Fat Bastard – Jonathan Samukange
- Before the Storm – Jared Mohan Matthew Bunga
- Taxi – Jonathan Samukange
Best Sound - Hello Beautiful – Leonel Jason Fowdar
- My Brother’s Keeper – Tinashe Dorobeni
- Queue for a Dream – Xolani Thomas Mkwananzi & Clinton Zvoushe
Best Diaspora Narrative - Kuchema the Soundscape– Chipo Mapondera, Joel Chandauka
- Therapist– Admire Zimbeva
- Zithobeni– Andile Masombuka & Felix Badza
Best Actor/Actress - Dalma Chiwereva – My Husband Joe
- Chiedza Rwodzi – In Anne
- Aubrey S – Fat Bastard
Festival Director Mercy Mangwana Nyamhunga expressed excitement over the overwhelming response and the quality of this year’s submissions, stating, “The diversity and creativity of Zimbabwean filmmakers have truly shone through. We are eager to showcase these stories to a wider audience.”
Winners will receive a cash prize and their films will be screened during the European Film Festival Zimbabwe, running from October 11 to 19, 2024.
