Jessie Allen, the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs), says the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe now rides on the success of the second edition of its awards which were held last week.
ZAFTAs were held on Saturday last week at Kingston House in Harare.
Allen promised to provide support to all film sectors based on the solid groundwork of the recently launched Zimbabwe National Film Strategy. In her official opening remarks, Allen stressed that ZAFTAs were tailor-made to develop the film sector through recognising and rewarding outstanding achievements within its value chain and production processes. 3KTV, which was awarded the Best Film Television Station, screened the event which had over 32 winners on its Facebook page.
“Following on our inaugural event last year and filled with hope, we set ourselves a new goal: to build a thriving cinematic landscape, frame-by-frame. We were determined not to build on sand — something here today, only to be blown away by the wind or washed away by the rain tomorrow. So, we rolled up our sleeves, cut our nails short, and got to work — starting with the construction of a solid foundation,” she said. “ZAFTAs 2023 was never meant to be a one-hit wonder. No, our goal has always been to build an industry that is robust enough to withstand adversity and solid enough to support the men and women carving out careers and livelihoods in the film and television industry.
“We at ZAFTAs understand and embrace our responsibility. We want to be part of something so strong that it allows us to be gentle with those who rely on us. Our values are rooted in co-design, co-production, and ultimately, co-creation. We recognise that achieving the vision of a thriving cinematic landscape requires collective effort. Together, we must navigate a terrain that is, at times, rough and rugged. The industry may currently appear messy, unclear and discouraging, but tonight, I stand before you to invite you to join us in these efforts. Let us build together, each of us contributing a frame.
“Your frame need not look like anyone else’s. Your talent might be your frame, or it could be deep pockets, mentorship, training opportunities or cultural exchange programmes. There are so many ways to elevate this film and television industry of ours. There is a saying: when you're in the frame, you cannot see the picture. So, let me step out of my frame for a moment and become a bystander to observe and recognise the progress we have made,” said Allen.
Popular events director, Doc Vickela, called the ZAFTAs the Sadc summit of film and Sara Dee, the radio personality was at her best in spite of the event having a delayed start. Following the establishment of the Zimbabwe National Film Strategy which seeks to spearhead key developments aimed at transforming the local film and television industry into a globally competitive sector. The Cinema Society of Zimbabwe which also took part in the Zimbabwe National Film Strategy expressed its wish to fully utilise the strategy foundational pillar.
“If we are to build a sustainable film industry, we must be deeply committed to safeguarding vulnerable members of our society who aspire to work in front of or behind the camera. People living with long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, individuals with mental health challenges, people with autism, and those with learning disabilities all require our protection. As we shine a spotlight on gender-based violence, we reaffirm our support for this cause by fostering understanding and working to eliminate the potential for harm — be it sexual or financial exploitation — within our industry. Such practices are unacceptable and we unequivocally reject all forms of gender-based violence, whether in the home, schools or workplaces,” Allen said.
“Our women and girls deserve the same opportunities as our men and boys — that is equality. However, we must acknowledge that, historically and culturally, women’s lived experiences have not always been equal. In our industry, there is a clear gap — a gulf of disparities between men and women — that we must address. If anyone here tonight can bring forward a proposal, funding or grant opportunity to tackle the unique challenges faced by women and girls in film and television, you will have offered us the golden frame.”
A moment of silence was observed in honour of the late Kasim Bay who passed on recently. He was a founding member of the ZAFTAs who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the film industry and subsequently took the ZAFTAs to where they are today. Richard Tenton the founding director of the ZAFTAs thanked all the nominees and award winners for helping in making the event have its deserved weight.
Popular actor and producer Munyaradzi Chidzonga who was watching from home also posted on the ZAFTAs social media group.
“Well done to all the nominees and a big congratulations to the winners. Thanks to organisers for their efforts to build the industry. Let's keep working. God bless,” he said.
Several actors and producers who include hip-hop singer, Zinarayah, Blessing, Gogo Linja aka Mbuya vaTandi and Benilda who acted in the film Bundu, Eunice Tava, Welly the Sound Designer and Vimbai expressed commitment to the growth and development of ZAFTAs.
The Outstanding Television Production Award went to the film Bundu.
Best Television Production Award was given to the Love and Reality film and the Popular Content Creator Award was clinched by Code Red Studios and Percy Soko who acted in Village 4 won the Outstanding Actor in a Television Production Award.
