16th Edition of ZIFF Closes in Masvingo

‘NGOZI’ short film and Onward Chironda get Juror's special mention.

Blessing Chidzurira Performs at ZIFF Masvingo Closing Night

Masvingo, October 25, 2014: The 16th edition of the Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF) closed with a bang at the specially-constructed Charles Austin Theatre with workshops on film marketing, cinematography and directing. There was a tripple screening in the evening which was followed by a jurors' special mention on short films that were submitted for competition. The jury was led by Ms Porcia Mudavanhu, the ZIFF festival administrator.

The festival’s Best Short Film and Best Direction were bestowed on Masvingo filmmaker Onward Chironda’s 'NGOZI'. A short film on gender based violence.

A host of luminaries and filmmakers were in attendance, including MAFIA director Donovan Takaendesa, Masvingo Drama Circle Artistic director Khetani Michael Banda, screenwriters and jury members Peter Marimi and Charles Munganasa, revered actor Tinashe Nhukarume.

Others who received special mention on Closing Night included Through The Night director Sydney Taivavashe (best cinematographer),  Ngozi star Ngoni Chinovava (best actor) and Moreblessing Kavhika (best actress), Ngozi and Mafia actor Proud Sigauke (best supporting actor). The People's achievement special mention were dedicated to Ms Porcia Mudavanhu and Edward Chombe for their efforts in making the film festival a reality in Masvingo.

The 16th ZIFF (Masvingo) was held October 23-25, in collaboration with WezhiraTV, Masvingo Drama Circle and Nelned Pictures, and featured a diverse selection of films from Zimbabwe and countries around the world.

Filmmakers in a Film Marketing Workshop

Sydney Taivavashe presenting a workshop on Cinematography

About ZIFF:

Established in 1997, the Zimbabwe International Film Festival Trust, ZIFFT has distinguished itself as a significant player in the Zimbabwean and regional film industries. In its first decade of operations it had a sterling performance, annually hosting an impressive film festival that attained international acclaim as one of the continent’s most well organised creative fetes, developing talented film makers and script writers through its unique training opportunities, and contributing to the telling of vibrant, socially and politically relevant African stories through cinema.

ZIFFT appointed a new 12-member Board of Trustees, in March 2013. The new Board comprises the retained Founding Trustees; Rachel Kupara, Dan Jawitz, and Joel Phiri; filmmaker and ZIFTESSA lecturer, Nocks Chatiza; actor, filmmaker and distributor, Stephen Chigorimbo; archivist, researcher, author, producer and lecturer, Joyce Jenje-Makwenda; actor, director, producer, administrator and social justice activist, Daves Guzha; digital production and animation specialist Simbirirai Solomon Maramba; journalist, writer, and development agency executive, Isabella Matambanadzo; artist and arts administrator, Joanna Powell; and actor and development agency executive, John Stewart.

ZIFFT has embarked on a new strategic thrust to re-establish it as the ‘HUB’ of film in Zimbabwe. This will involve both programmatic innovation, and renovation/expansion of physical structures to make ZIFFT the place where Zimbabweans go to find inspiration and entertainment in film. The success of this vision undoubtedly relies on a sound financial base, and so ZIFFT is looking for willing partners to provide this support.

Written by Unknown

Wezhira TV is the making, collection and showcasing of video products from the Masvingo province by various filmmakers.