Zimpapers Logo

Minister Langa

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
The Government has reaffirmed its support for the local film industry and pledged to fund various film projects in the country.
Speaking during the Zimbabwe International Film Festival at Ster Kinekor over the weekend, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Andrew Langa said the industry has potential and needs support from various sectors.
“Government, through my ministry, is desirous to see film being an essential element in the economic growth. Together we need to join hands and develop a film industry,” said Langa.

He said the local industry had the potential to be influential across the globe as it is driven by passionate people who were producing great work with minimum resources.

He cited the Nigerian film industry that has grown immensely as an example that should inspire our industry.
“Let’s take a leaf from Nollywood. The film industry in Nigeria grew quickly in the late 1990’s and now has become one of the largest film industries in the world alongside United States’ Hollywood and India’s Bollywood.

In a related assertion about local films, Vice President, Dr Joice Mujuru said the country’s high literacy rate needed to be fully harnessed in film production.
“Zimbabwe can take advantage of its high literacy and excellent story telling culture and transform it into screenplay. Films can be made at diverse and attractive locations like the Great Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls among others,” she said.

The 16th edition of the ZIFF has been in progress from October 4 and ends on October 11, running under the theme “Universal African”
While ZIFF 2014 has been screening a broad spectrum of international films (documentary, action, short films and animation), focus will be on “new generation” African filmmakers, particularly those that have represented the continent positively through film.

The festival will also be taken to Bulawayo, Masvingo, Mutare, Norton and Chitungwiza as well as high density suburbs in Harare and Bulawayo.
Various programmes like the Short Film Programme, which will mentor five aspiring writers and directors in producing short films and the Film Forum (FF) that will offer film-making master classes and film industry workshops are part of the festival.