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Trust Khosa

The annual Zimbabwe Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs) ceremony returns to Harare on November 30 where over 30 gongs are up for grabs.

A brainchild of Richard Tentone, founder of the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe, the ZAFTAs honours exceptional talents within the film and television industry.

The venue for the 2024 ZAFTAs will be announced on November 10, event organisers say.

In an interview with The Herald Arts, Tentone said the 2024 edition was a game-changer for players in the film and television sector making waves both locally and abroad.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent and creativity emerging from Zimbabwe’s film and television industry.

“The ZAFTAs shine a spotlight on filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals who play a vital role in crafting our rich cultural story.

“This prestigious event not only highlights outstanding achievements but also emphasises the power of storytelling in shaping our national identity,” he said.

Tentone, whose team has shown a lot of determination to inspire future generations of creatives, expressed delight over the feedback they are getting after releasing nominees.

“The response has been fantastic. We have seen an outpouring of excitement from the public, with people actively engaging on social media and through WhatsApp. The media is buzzing too.

“This enthusiasm shows just how much our community values and supports local talent. It is a wonderful opportunity for sponsors and partners to connect with an audience that is passionate about the arts and eager to celebrate our creative landscape.”

After launching their ZAFTAs last year, Tentone’s team was determined to give film enthusiasts a memorable experience.

“We are excited to build on that success with the upcoming 2024 edition. Each year, we strive to enhance the experience and scale of the awards, ensuring that we continue to celebrate the very best of Zimbabwean film and television on a global stage.”

Some of the internationally acclaimed names in film and television include Danai Gurira and Arnold Tongayi Chirisa who have made it into the Outstanding Cultural Ambassador categories.

Of interest is the Outstanding Podcasting Award where the Ollah 7 Podcast, Haku Stream, In Conversation with Trevor and The Denny J Show will be vying for the honours.

Below are some of the nominees across various categories:

1. Outstanding Television Production Award

• Bundu
• Inkaba (John Mabuyane)
• Love and Reality

2. People’s Choice for Best Television Production Award (Public Voting)

• Nhodo
• Inkaba
• Love and Reality
• Nhaka Yeupenyu

3. Popular Content Creator Award (Public Voting)

• Chipo the Trouble Maker
• MoojayaZW
• Code Red
• Kingslee ZW

4. Outstanding Actor in a Television Production Award

• John Mabuyane in Inkaba
• Tendai Madzviti in Bundu
• Charles Kamala in Nhaka Yeupenyu
• Percy Soko in Village 4

5. Outstanding Actress in a Television Production Award

• Chelesile Mpofu in Inkaba
• Tinotenda Katsande in Love and Reality
• Shamiso Nduru in Nhaka Yeupenyu
• Mercy Nyawasha in Bundu

6. Outstanding Achievement in Editing for Television Production Award

• Andile Ndlovu – Bundu
• Nhaka Yeupenyu
• Nhodo
• Love and Reality

7. Outstanding Directing for a Television Production Award

• Nyaka Yeupenyu
• Inkaba
• Nhodo
• Love and Reality

8. Outstanding Writing for a Television Production Award

• Village 4
• Inkaba
• Nhaka Yeupenyu
• Nhodo

9. Outstanding Television Presenter Award

• Mazwi – Zim Uncovered
• Joylene Fatima Ismail – The Design Show
• Oslie Matsikinyeri – Diplomatic Couch

10. Outstanding Documentary Award

• From Huts to Pots (Tswarelo Mothobe)
• Chasing Levels (Dumi Manyathela)
• When Children Have Children (Tswarelo Mothobe)

11.Outstanding International Feature Film Award

• Mtaa Yangu (Kenya)
• In The Arms of The Tree (Islamic Republic of Iran)
• Offshoot (Nigeria)

12.Outstanding International Documentary Film Award

• Torn From the Tundra (Russian Federation)
• Giants In Motion (Botswana)
• Russian Marriage Quest (Russian Federation)

13. Outstanding Podcasting Award

• Haku Stream
• In Conversation with Trevor
• Ollah 7 Podcast
• The Denny J Show

14.Film and Television Reporting Excellence Award

• Natasha Tariro Mutsiba
• Anesu Lorraine Mirisawu
• Kingstone Zimunya
• Tendai Sauta

Honorary

32.Lifetime Achievement Award

• Dorothy Chidzawo
• Charles Sekete
• Joice Jenje Makwenda
• Anthony Fortune Ruzugunde