The European Film Festival Zimbabwe 2023 Bulawayo edition kicks off today and will run until October 28th at Sterkinekor. The European Film Festival Zimbabwe running under the theme Crossing Borders, kicked off on October 20-22 at the Mbare Art Space in Harare.

For filmmakers and players in Bulawayo and surrounding areas, the major questions are: Does Zimbabwe still have a film industry, or just a film community? What are the main factors needed to revive the film sector in Bulawayo and surrounding areas?

Many film industry stakeholders in Zimbabwe have been advocating for the restoration of the sector so that it can compete with other international players, such as Nollywood, Bollywood, and Turkwood.

On October 27th, filmmakers are invited to a masterclass at Ster Kinekor, Bulawayo, hosted by the European Film Festival Zimbabwe organizers. The masterclass is expected to generate discussions on issues affecting the industry.

Speakers include South African actor Ayanda Makayi (MTV Shuga, Makoti) and actress Natasha Dlamini (Queen Sono, The Signal), as well as Zimbabweans Nyasha Mtamangira, Mthabisi Onias (founder of ONVI film and TV), and Jomo Mhone. Discussions will be under the theme: Meeting the film industry’s technical standards.