STER Kinekor cinema at Joina City in Harare last Saturday played host to a remarkable celebration of the graduation of 20 students who completed a four-month Hollywood hands-on filmmaking course at the Dream Hous Pictures (DHP).
Jonathan Samukange, popularly known as Dyrekta O and is the director of DHP, said the graduates, who are emerging filmmakers, showcased their talents in scriptwriting, cinematography, editing and acting.
Internationally-celebrated film producer Joe Njagu, who is better known for his Netflix breakthrough, was the guest of honour.
Njagu praised Dyrekta O for taking the lead in creating a new crop of revolutionary filmmakers who successfully collaborated and made films which include Silo the Uprising, Humwe and You are the Next, just to mention a few.
The films impressed audiences because of expert shooting, acting and storytelling.
Notably, they tackled critical themes such as the dangers of drug and substance abuse, the importance of combating sexual harassment, spiritualism and also told Zimbabwe’s journey to independence.
Peggy, an award-winning film by Dyrekta O, was also screened to the total amazement of the house.
Despite the formidable unity and collaboration prowess, a few students were recognised and awarded medals for their outstanding works.
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The awards for distinction went as follows: Outstanding Film Producer — Talent Madziva, Outstanding Film Director — Allen Jenami, Outstanding Cinematographer — Tinotenda Mangiri, Outstanding Digital Editor — Cameron Bent, Outstanding Screen Actor — Sean Sibusiso Nleya and Outstanding Short Film — In Time by Tanatswa Dennis Chitiyo.
A packed house at the cinema cheered and clapped along as the graduands demonstrated the power of storytelling through film.
Dyrekta O expressed excitement at conferring certificates to his ninth graduation class, highlighting the potential of these young filmmakers.
As Zimbabwe aims to reclaim its position as a cinematic powerhouse, the role of trained filmmakers becomes increasingly vital.
With a growing pool of talented creatives and incredible locations, the country has the potential to become a major film hub in southern Africa.
The Zimbabwe National Film & Television Strategy 2025-30 emphasises the need for infrastructural development, funding mechanisms and international collaborations to elevate Zimbabwean film.
Initiatives like the International Images Film Festival and the EuroFilmFestZW have been instrumental in promoting local talent and showcasing Zimbabwean stories globally.
Dyrekta O told NewsDay Life & Style that film is a powerful medium for storytelling, allowing creators to share perspectives, challenge societal norms and inspire change.
The Dream Hous Pictures Film Academy students have truly set the bar high with their remarkable collaborative efforts!
By seamlessly blending their talents in acting, editing, sound design, photography, mixing and mastering, and picture editing, they’ve crafted compelling stories that resonate deeply.
Films like Humwe, In Time, Silo the Uprising and You are the Next showcase their mastery in film’s multifaceted language, demonstrating a keen understanding of the art form.
The graduating outstanding students promised to work hard to develop themselves and the film industry.
Nleya, who was the main star in Silo the Uprising, said he would like to source more funding to tell more stories about Zimbabwe.
Madziva promised to use film to communicate several lessons in life
