The struggling Zimbabwean film industry: Film makers bemoan absence of policy framework

Silhouette of a production in progress on a white stage. Picture credit: MadCircles

By Darlington Mutsvairi

ZIMBABWE’s film industry continues to face an uncertain future, plagued by limited government support, and corporate investment among a host of other factors. Despite producing iconic films in the past such as Neria (1991) and Yellow Card (2000), the industry has failed to replicate such successes in recent years.

The continued absence of a film policy has left the industry vulnerable, with no clear guidelines or funding mechanisms in place. However, stakeholders such as Government, artistes and the National Arts Council are working on crafting a policy, a process that kicked off in 2021, but still to see light of the day. Expectantly, once the process is completed, implementation should be the major priority as the industry is in dire need of resuscitation. Currently, with a fragile economy, financial institutions are generally reluctant to extend loans to filmmakers, and coupled with lack of meaningful corporate sponsorship, the industry is operating from the ICU.

The few filmmakers who manage to produce content often struggle to access decent remuneration for their work. Television stations pay little to no royalties to independent producers, sometimes offering airtime for adverts instead of monetary compensation.

Local filmmaker, Joe Njangu’s Cook Off, the first Zimbabwean film to be featured on Netflix, has brought international recognition to the industry, and this achievement highlights the potential of Zimbabwean filmmakers, despite the challenges they continually face.

Industry insiders lament the lack of government support, citing the absence of funding allocations in the annual budget. The general feeling is that the film industry is not considered a priority, leaving filmmakers to exclusively self-fund.

Divisions within the industry also hinder progress. Infighting and lack of collaboration among filmmakers, producers, and stakeholders have stalled efforts to unify and advocate for the industry’s needs.

To revitalize the industry, stakeholders call for a comprehensive film policy, government funding and support, corporate investment and sponsorship, unity and collaboration among industry players and fair compensation for filmmakers and producers.

Until these needs are addressed, the Zimbabwean film industry will continue to struggle, leaving its potential untapped. The legacy of iconic films like Neria and Yellow Card serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with support and investment. It’s time for the government, corporate world, and industry players to come together and nurture the growth of Zimbabwe’s film industry.

In July last year, stakeholders that included filmmakers, and members from the academia met to craft the film industry strategy with assistance in terms of the necessary guidelines from both Government and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), leading to the formation of a team of 23 to spearhead the process.

Cinema Society of Zimbabwe Founder, Richard Tentone bemoaned the current state of the film industry in Zimbabwe, citing that the sector is battling with a myriad of challenges.

“The Zimbabwean film industry faces a few complex challenges that warrant careful consideration by stakeholders, including the relevant government authorities. While progress has been made in certain areas, there remain opportunities to further support and bolster the industry’s development.

“One key factor is the perceived prioritization of other creative sectors, such as music, over film by policymakers. Increased recognition of the film industry’s economic and cultural importance, accompanied by targeted policies and funding mechanisms, could help address this imbalance.

“Funding constraints have also hindered the industry’s growth, with concerns raised about the impact of this on creative freedom and content quality. The discontinuation of initiatives like ZimDigital, which provided production support and market access, has been noted as a setback. Exploring sustainable financing solutions, potentially through public-private partnerships, could be an area of exploration,” he said.

With regards to the process that should culminate in a film policy for the country, Tentone gave an overview of progress made thus far and how he feels the process must proceed if desired results are to be derived.

“The process has also involved case studies through desk research on specific film-related issues, as well as peer-to-peer exchanges with selected countries such as Rwanda and Kenya. This cross-learning opportunity has allowed the committee to draw insights from the experiences of other nations in developing effective film policies and strategies.

“The committee is currently at the peer-to-peer exchange stage, actively engaging with Zimbabwean filmmakers both at home and abroad. This inclusive approach, which seeks to incorporate diverse perspectives, is a positive sign and underscores the government’s commitment to crafting a strategy that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the local film industry.

“While the government has reaffirmed its dedication to establishing a film commission, funding, and infrastructure to support the industry’s growth, the sector is understandably approaching these announcements with cautious optimism, given the complexities involved. Nonetheless, the mere fact that the process is underway, with a clear structure and timeline, is a meaningful step forward and a testament to the government’s recognition of the film industry’s potential,” he added.

Tentone went on to say that as the strategy development continues, it will be crucial for the committee to ensure widespread consultation, transparency, and a focus on practical, implementable solutions. By fostering a collaborative approach and addressing the industry’s long-standing challenges, the National Film Strategy has the potential to unlock new opportunities and propel the Zimbabwean film industry towards a more vibrant and sustainable future.