Earlier this year, the European Film Festival Zimbabwe invited submissions for the fifth edition of the BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition. This year’s competition, themed ‘Beyond Boundaries: Empowering Women Through Film’ and ‘Staying Connected,’ aims to spotlight the creativity of Zimbabwean filmmakers through short films that reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences of Zimbabweans. The competition also encourages a broader range of voices and viewpoints, with a particular focus on stories that transcend gender and inspire inclusivity.

The competition provides an invaluable platform for Zimbabwean filmmakers to present their work to a broader audience and connect with industry networks. Winning films in each category will be announced and showcased during the European Film Festival Zimbabwe, scheduled from October 11 to 19, 2024. A cash prize will be awarded for each winning film.  Main events will take place at Mbare Art Space in Harare, Ster Kinekor in Bulawayo, with additional pop-up screenings in Kadoma at Campbell Theatre and Gweru at the Memorial Library.

This year’s competition received a total of 56 submissions, a testament to the vibrant storytelling talent within Zimbabwe. Festival Coordinator Mercy Mangwana Nyamhunga is heartened by the overwhelming response and is eager to celebrate the innovative work of the shortlisted filmmakers. In response to this year’s submissions, Mercy added, “We were blown away by the quality and diversity of the submissions to this year's BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition. From thought-provoking documentaries to visually stunning animations and compelling narratives, the filmmakers showcased a wide range of styles and approaches. We were also excited to introduce the new Best Actor/Actress award category this year, which allowed us to recognize outstanding performances in the competition."

The independent Jury panel for the 2024 Bioskop Short Film Competition made up of industry professionals, academics, community and business leaders including Prosper Kunyetu, Sibongile Mlambo, Matthieu Eberhardt, Daniel Lasker and Tanyaradzwa Fear who were tasked with judging the submissions present the shortlist below:

BEST NARRATIVE 

Worker Bee- by Welensky Chamunorwa

My husband Joe - by Derby Bheta

Fat Bastard-by Jonathan Samkange

BEST DOCUMENTARY

Before the Storm- by Jared Mohan Matthew Bunga

Chasing Levels- by Dumie Manyathela

From Huts to Pots - by Tswarelo Peter Mothobe

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Fat Bastard -by Jonathan Samukange

Before the Storm- by Jared Mohan Matthew Bunga

Taxi - Jonathan Samukange 

BEST SOUND

Hello beautiful-by Leonel Jason Fowdar

My brother’s keeper -by Tinashe Dorobeni

Queue For A Dream by Xolani Thomas Mkwananzi & Clinton Zvoushe

BEST DIASPORA NARRATIVE

Kuchema the soundscape- by Chipo Mapondera, Joel Chandauka

Therapist - by Admire Zimbeva

Zithobeni - by Andile Masombuka & Felix Badza 

BEST ACTOR/ACTRESS

Dalma Chiwereva - My husband Joe

Chiedza Rwodzi - In Anne

Aubrey S in Fat Bastard

Congratulations to the shortlisted filmmakers and actors! The winners will be announced at the festival opening ceremony on Saturday 12th of October 2024 at Mbare Arts Space and the winning films will be screened at all the festival venues.

About the European Film Festival Zimbabwe:

The European Film Festival was launched by the European Union in 2016. Over the past seven years, the EU Film Festival has evolved from the showcasing of European movies into a platform for diverse and visually unique storytelling, celebrating both European and African cinema. This festival now plays a contributing role in nurturing the development of the local film industry, offering valuable opportunities for Zimbabwean filmmakers to engage and collaborate on both national and international scales.

For more information and updates, please visit https://eurofilmfest.co.zw/ or follow us on social media Instagram/X: @eurofilmfestzw | Facebook: European film Festival Zimbabwe.

The Festival Team at

[email protected] 

Mercy Mangwana Nyamhunga - +263 776 967 058