Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Vimbai Nyakabau
1 August 2008
Harare — The year 2007 saw a host of filmmakers and devotees help in celebrating a decade of activity during the biggest film showcase in Zimbabwe and one of the strongest festivals to emerge on the continent, the Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF).
Under the theme, 10th Anniversary Edition, Gumi! Isthumi! Celebrating A Decade in Cinema, the 10-day cinema expose was characterised by a lively blend of music and film, with over 200 screenings from 40 countries including a list of award winners (making 40 trips around the world through what is arguably the most popular visual art), 11 screening venues (in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Chitungwiza and Norton).
The celluloid event saw 20 local films competing amongst some of the world's best, 10 workshops and 14 well deserving films garnering the coveted stone sculpted award designed by Timothy Rugwenya.
In addition to the screenings, as tradition, the cinema fete hosted numerous enlightening workshops and masterclasses. Festival manager, Isabel Manuel said: "Last year's success can be attributed to the support shown by embassies, corporate sponsors, partners, independent filmmakers, audiences as well as the hard work done in the background by the festival's organisers and volunteers.
"This year has been tougher but we are committed to following through a tradition that has existed since 1998."
Interest is mounting in ZIFF 2008, which is just around the corner, set to run from the 5th to 14th of September and the theme is The Art of Film, celebrating the nature of film which incorporates a number of artistic disciplines. With the leading daily newspaper, The Herald being the festival's Primary Media Partner, the column will be dedicated to keeping the public updated.
This week, the spotlight is on embassies' support and the Film Forum, training arm of the festival's umbrella body, Zimbabwe International Film Festival Trust (ZIFFT).
ZIFF is securing international flair at this year's festival with the confirmation of participation through meetings held between Manuel and various Embassy representatives based in Harare since the beginning of the year.
Some of the confirmations have been from the Embassy of the United States, Embassy of Brazil, Embassy of Japan, Embassy of France, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Embassy of India, the Royal Netherlands Embassy, Embassy of Spain, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Embassy of Switzerland, Embassy of the Republic of South Africa, Embassy of Switzerland and the British Embassy.
"Looking at the embassies that have already confirmed their participation, we are guaranteed the screening of an exciting collection of feature length films including award winning entries that make their presence felt every year. Last year entries from India, France, Germany, Spain and Iran won various awards in the feature film category," said Manuel.
Harnessing the same enthusiasm for Brazilian cinema, which has been sparking attention around the world, in collaboration with the Embassy of Brazil and Brazillian filmmaker, Marcel Izidoro, the Film Forum will present an exciting programme prior and during the festival dubbed,The Brazillian Cinema Focus.
The focus will consist of a series of screenings and talks on the history of cinema from this Latin American country as well as masterclasses facilitated by a slew of Brazillian film proffessionals.
Manuel said: "Here is one of the many great examples of the support shown by the diplomatic community, we are thrilled about the focus and hope local film practitioners will take advantage and grasp this rare opportunity to learn, teach, mingle and share with fellow filmmakers from across the Atlantic."
Scheduled are highly technical masterclasses at increasing the technical know-how in selected aspects of filmmaking with classes in film directing and writing, editing, cinematography and sound under the two week long programme.
The programme will be divided in two phases, with the first phase one being technical and theoretical classes for each subject and phase two presenting hands on exercises.
Interested participants will be required to have minimum experience in the mentioned disciplines. Applications can be acquired on request via email - zimfilmfest@zol.co.zw or at the ZIFF offices, 2 Canterbury Road, Kensington in Harare. Deadline for submissions is the 15th of August 2008.
In addition, during the festival, a range of films will be screened, taking audiences back to the 1920s to the latest blockbusters from Brazil. Accompanying every screening will be an introduction and presentation from André Gatti, a professor of History of Brazilian Cinema.
The Embassy of Spain will be bringing in Spanish filmmaker, Jose Corral whose film, The Darkness won the Best Short Film at last year's festival. Corral who is a graphic designer and animator will be facilitating a workshop during the festival that will look at the production and challenges of a cinematic genre that incorporates live action and animation.
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