Harare — A red-carpet treatment awaits guests at this year's Zimbabwe International Film Festival official opening in Harare on Friday.

The film extravaganza will run until 6 September with screenings in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Norton and Chitungwiza. "Reel Inclusion" is this year's theme and is reflective of the spirit of inclusivity prevailing in Zimbabwe after the Global Political Agreement signed by the three main political parties.

Highlights for this year's film fete will include the premiere of the Oscar award winning filmSlumdog Millionaire based on Jamal, a boy from Mumbai slums who becomes a millionaire by playing the game of "Who wants to become a millionaire?"

Other highlights include Iran's Bleeding Heart by Reza Ramani, A Span of Heaven by Ali Vazirian and Child of the Soil by Mohammad Ali Ahangar, which are all in competition at the festival.

There are two feature animations from Japan, which are also in competition called Doraemon and The Movie Nobita's Dinasour From Indonesia, there are about four feature films entitled Gie by Riri Riza, Laskar Pelangi by Riri Riza, What's Up With Love and Eliana by Miles Films Production.

Orphans from various homes around Harare will be treated to a day at the movies by the Netherlands Embassy who have sponsored a Netherlands film entitled Zoo Rangersin South America by Johan Nijenhuis.

The film will be screened at Elite 100 on Saturday at 12:30hours.

Sharon Rusare, the festival manager, said that the theme was to reflect the spirit of inclusivity that is prevailing in the country.

"Art often imitates life (and vice versa) and our current life here in Zimbabwe is characterised by hope in the inclusivity that our nation has embraced. We as a platform for artistic endeavour, felt we should reflect this," Rusare said.

This year's festival will include screenings at Africa University (Mutare), Pakare Paye Arts Centre (Norton) Young Africa Arts Centre (Chitungwiza and Epworth) and the National Gallery (Bulawayo). Rusare said that the traditional screening venues in Harare would be maintained.

"We are finalising the programme by the end of this week and film buffs and the general public should have an idea of the films that are participating in this year's ZIFF at that time.

"Last year's festival had just over 70 entries in total (excluding the Short Film Project). This year we are still reviewing submissions for entry into the festival, although we have already received 80 films," said Rusare.

She added that this year has seen an increase in documentary entries with a wide range of subject matter. "We have received a lot of documentaries this year, including local ones, which we are excited about," Rusare said.

For the first time there will be feature animation from Japan which should be of interest and benefit to local animators.

"We are especially excited about receiving three local animation submissions and we are expecting more local entries," she said.