Women’s empowerment through film takes centre stage
SIFISO MAPURANGA
Women have stepped into the limelight at this year’s European Union (EU) Film Festival, celebrated as a platform for showcasing their talent and addressing societal challenges through the art of filmmaking.
EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E. Jobst von Kirchmann, emphasized the festival’s role in empowering women and promoting their active participation in the film industry.
“This year’s festival is dedicated to placing women at the forefront of storytelling, highlighting their lived realities while creating opportunities for them to benefit from the filmmaking industry,” said Ambassador von Kirchmann.
Under the theme “Beyond Borders: Empowering Through Film in Mbare,” the 9th edition of the EU Film Festival ran from October 11 to 19, offering a vibrant mix of cultural narratives from Africa and Europe.
The festival expanded its reach beyond European films, incorporating local Zimbabwean and broader African stories to create a rich tapestry of creative expression.
Ambassador von Kirchmann reflected on the festival’s evolution: “Nine years ago, this was a platform exclusively for European films. Today, it has transformed into a celebration of cultural co-creation, with movies from Zimbabwe and across Africa taking center stage.”
The focus on women’s empowerment was further underscored during the festival’s activities, including filmmaking masterclasses, screenings, and panel discussions.
The aim was not only to equip women with skills but also to provide them with the tools to share their experiences and highlight issues such as gender-based violence (GBV) through film.
Ministry of Arts, Sports, and Recreation Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya lauded the festival’s efforts:
“This year’s EU Film Festival has provided a powerful platform for women to showcase their talents and tell their stories. It has also raised awareness of issues like GBV, contributing to the national dialogue on gender equality.”
For the second consecutive year, the festival was hosted in Mbare, Harare’s oldest township, at the Mbare Arts Centre from October 11 to 13. It later traveled to Kadoma, Gweru, and Bulawayo, extending its reach and inclusivity. These locations featured masterclasses and roundtable discussions, enabling aspiring filmmakers to engage directly with industry experts and explore ways to make the film sector more profitable.
“This year, we expanded to Kadoma and Gweru, creating more opportunities for Zimbabweans to learn, create, and share. Film is a unifying force—it brings people together and fosters collaboration,” said Ambassador von Kirchmann.
In Bulawayo, the festival concluded with the BIOSKOP Zimbabwe Short Film Awards, celebrating excellence in creative filmmaking. A vibrant performance by hip-hop artist Asaph capped off the event, leaving participants inspired.
The EU Film Festival’s emphasis on women was not just symbolic but a commitment to fostering tangible change. Masterclasses and creative labs provided participants with hands-on experience, while discussion panels offered insights into addressing challenges in the local film industry.
Participants, like filmmaker Collin, expressed their gratitude:
“The labs were incredibly insightful. They addressed real challenges faced by local filmmakers, and the roundtable discussions were inclusive and solutions-oriented.”
The festival’s long-term goal is clear: to continue empowering women, fostering cultural exchange, and driving growth in Zimbabwe’s film industry. Ambassador von Kirchmann summed it up aptly:
“Empowering women in film is a journey, not a one-time gesture. Gender equality and women’s empowerment are key pillars of our partnership with Zimbabwe, and we are proud to extend this commitment to the arts.”
By putting women’s voices at the forefront, the EU Film Festival has proven to be more than just a celebration of cinema—it is a catalyst for change, ensuring women are no longer just spectators but active participants shaping the narrative through the power of film.
