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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Senior Arts Reporter
Zimbabwe Film Industry Development Platform yesterday met Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa to present a policy proposal on reinvigorating the film and television sector.

ZFIDP team that included Anthony Mutambira, Rumbi Katedza, Joe Njagu, Eddie Ndlovu, Munya Chidzonga and Shem Zemura also presented a petition that was signed by over 200 film practitioners, which will help in engaging specific actions that promote the development and sustainability of the film and television sector.

Also present at the meeting were deputy minister in the ministry Energy Mutodi and permanent secretary Nick Mangwana.

In an interview with The Herald ZFIDP chairman, Anthony Mutambira said they were happy with how the ministry has shown keen interest in their sector.

“We were very encouraged by the warm reception accorded to my team by the Minister and her officials.

“Minister Mutsvangwa has shown a keen interest in our sector and has even offered to give us advice from her experience with the Chinese film industry leaders.

“We are hopeful that this is the beginning of good things to come and we have laid the foundation to a homegrown film policy and ultimately a film commission to service the huge potential that we know exists in the sector,” he said.

Mutambira said it was their objective to engage the Government and other stakeholders within Zimbabwe, Southern African region and the world at large on all issues relating to the development and sustainability of the film and television sector.

He said they highlighted some of the challenges and possible solutions that are key in their field.

“The proposal policy stresses out that film and media offer a window onto a nation’s culture and our sector has ripple effects across the economy. It creates jobs and even boosts tourism through showcasing the country to a global market.

However, for the reinvigorating process to work, our proposal states that the Government should ensure permits are easy to obtain and in general encourage a positive Government policy towards filmmakers and insist broadcasters meet the required percentage of local content among others,” he said.

He said the film and television should once again become a source of national pride as an effective way of marketing brand Zimbabwe internationally.