Arts Correspondent
#EuroFilmFestZW 2024 will start with a 10-day cinematic adventure starting at the vibrant Mbare Art Space in Harare from 10-13 October, on the 15th in Kadoma at Campbell Theatre, on the 16th in Gweru at the Gweru Memorial Library and concluding in Bulawayo at Ster Kinekor from the 18th -20th of October.
Here’s a preview of what’s in store:
• 27 Films and Shorts: Six captivating European films, 11 African films, including six short films from Zimbabwe, and 10 short films from across Africa curated under the Filamu Shorts category as well as 4 Art21 documentary films.
• BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition: Celebrate Zimbabwean creativity through the vehicle of short film exploring the themes of gender and staying connected. Winners of 6 categories will be announced during the official opening on Saturday, October 12, including the first ever Best Actor/Actress Award!
• Masterclasses: Learn from the best! Attend masterclasses led by seasoned filmmakers such as actor, producer, and director Daniel Lasker and producer and writer of this year’s closing film, Sean Drummond.
• Input Conference: Hosted in Harare and Bulawayo and curated by Alex Gwaze, these sessions cover diverse topics like AfroFuturism, getting noticed as a director, immersive storytelling through Virtual Reality, film distribution, and cultural representation in cinema. Join top Zimbabwean filmmakers for inspiring and insightful discussions.
• Matamba Virtual Reality 360 Experience: Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge world of virtual reality with the Matamba VR Experience, showcasing four immersive African films in an innovative new medium shining a light on social issues, personal journeys, and the resilience of communities.
• Mbare Archives – Explore the rich history of Mbare through an archive of historical materials and artefacts.
• Film Meets Art: Enjoy art documentaries from Art21, a global platform for artistic peer-to-peer learning.
• Projection Mapping & Red Carpet: Experience the festival’s artistic flair with projection mapping by multi-disciplinary artist Kombo Chapfika and a reimagined red carpet designed by local artists Kimberly Tatenda Gakanje, Nkosiyabo Frank Nyoni, and William Joseph Kachinjika.
• Mobile Phone Community Re-Mix: Engage with the local Mbare community through a series of short mobile videos, capturing stories of the community and transforming them into a coded remix in collaboration with Uncommon.
• Mbare Legends Sunday Jazz (October 13): Groove to the sounds of Mbare’s legendary jazz musicians, who will perform alongside talented local artists.
• African Feature Film: The festival closes with the screening of the critically acclaimed South African neo-Western, “Five Fingers for Marseilles,” directed by Michael Matthews.
• Culinary Experience: Embark on a culinary journey with a fusion of European and African cuisine, curated by De Ankarra Chef and served by students from the Fine Dining Chef School.
• Open Studios: Join us for Open Studios at Mbare Art Space during the Festival! During programming intermissions, Festival attendees are invited to explore artist studios, engage with their creative processes, and gain insight into their work.
• DJ SET- Cape Town based DJ Dwayne Kapula will return home to bring Afro Vibes to the Mbare Art Space, playing exclusively vinyl records from his extensive collection.
