Zimbabwe International Film & Festival Trust (ZIFFT)

After having been at the helm of the African Union:- Pan African Cultural Congress Bureau 5 as Chairman, I am pleased to announce that my tenure and that of my fellow bureau colleagues Michael Dada Florence Mukanga MajachaniLupwishi Mbuyamba has come to an end. Some of our notable contributions to the Creative and Cultural Industries in our 54 member states are:- #The successful revision of the AU Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries, carried out through a highly consultative process. This culminated in its endorsement by the sector Ministers in May 2023, followed by its approval by the AU Executive Council in July 2023. #The effective implementation of the AU’s 2021 theme of the year, ‘Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want.’ This initiative helped to mobilize the cultural and arts sectors towards the goals of Agenda 2063. #Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we managed to increase the visibility of the cultural sector, ensuring that arts, culture, and heritage were recognized as critical drivers for Africa’s recovery and resilience during these unprecedented times. A big thank you to Angela Martins (AU) Director for Culture for all the interventions in making our work possible and manageable. ! To new horizons I move on. Tichaonana! https://lnkd.in/eU9uuS7P (@22 minutes….)

Southern Africa is known for its diverse and vibrant music and dance traditions. In South Africa, for example, you can find the energetic gumboot dance, which is performed in rubber boots, as well as the fast-paced kwaito music, which is a blend of South African township music, house music, and hip hop. In Zimbabwe, you can find the traditional mbira music, which is played on a small thumb piano. Botswana is known for its traditional folk music, which includes the use of marimba and other instruments. #ZIFF23 #Aspiration5 #Africanfilmmakers Telco Broadband and Beyond PlayAfrikaTV EcoSureZW

The rich and diverse cultures of East Africa are worth exploring and celebrating. From the Swahili people of the coast to the pastoralist communities of the hinterland, there is a wealth of cultural heritage to be discovered. Each region has its own unique languages, art forms, and traditional practices, which all contribute to the diverse and vibrant culture of East Africa. From the intricate hand-woven textiles of the Taita people to the intricate beadwork of the Maasai, there is no shortage of beautiful and intricate art forms to admire. #Ziff23 #aspiration5 #Africanfilmmakers Telco Broadband and Beyond PlayAfrikaTV EcoSureZW

The rich and diverse cultures of East Africa are worth exploring and celebrating. From the Swahili people of the coast to the pastoralist communities of the hinterland, there is a wealth of cultural heritage to be discovered. Each region has its own unique languages, art forms, and traditional practices, which all contribute to the diverse and vibrant culture of East Africa. From the intricate hand-woven textiles of the Taita people to the intricate beadwork of the Maasai, there is no shortage of beautiful and intricate art forms to admire. #ZIFF23 #africanfilmmakers #aspiration5 EcoSureZW

There is a rich and complex history of film in both Africa and Latin America. In the African diaspora, filmmakers such as Ousmane Sembène, Haile Gerima, and Djibril Diop Mambéty have explored themes of colonialism, cultural identity, and the experience of migration. In Latin America, filmmakers like Fernando Solanas, Patricio Guzmán, and Jorge Sanjinés have used film to explore themes of political struggle, social inequality, and the legacy of colonialism. These filmmakers have created a vibrant and diverse body of work that has been an important part of the cultural landscape. #ZIFF23 #aspiration5 #Africanfilmmakers Telco Broadband and Beyond PlayAfrikaTV EcoSureZW DStv

Music, dance, and entertainment play a vital role in the culture of West Africa. In countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, traditional music and dance styles are celebrated and preserved. Styles like Highlife, Afrobeat, and Makossa are popular and have influenced the music of the entire African continent and beyond. Dance forms like the bata drumming of Nigeria, the kora music of Mali, and the griot storytelling tradition of West Africa are all important cultural elements. Entertainment in West Africa is also vibrant, with movies, television, and literature all contributing to the culture. #ZIFF23 #aspiration5 #africanstories Telco Broadband and Beyond PlayAfrikaTV DStv

There are some exciting films from East Africa that have been generating buzz in the industry. One of the most highly anticipated films is "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind," based on the true story of a young boy in Malawi who built a windmill to bring electricity to his village. The film is directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor . Another anticipated film is "Queen of Katwe," a biographical film about Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, directed by Mira Nair and starring Lupita Nyong'o. #ZIFF23 #aspiration5 #Africanfilmmakers Telco Broadband and Beyond PlayAfrikaTV DStv

There are a number of African filmmakers who are making waves in the African diaspora, Latin America, and the Caribbean. One filmmaker who has made a significant impact is Beninese director Abderrahmane Sissako, whose film "Timbuktu" won the Jury Prize at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. Sissako's films often explore themes of displacement, cultural identity, and colonialism. Other notable filmmakers include Ethiopian director Haile Gerima, whose film "Sankofa" is considered a masterpiece of African cinema. #ZIFF23 #Africanfilmmakers #aspiration5 Telco Broadband and Beyond PlayAfrikaTV EcoSureZW DStv

East Africa has a rich and diverse music and dance culture, with each country having its own unique traditions. In Kenya, music and dance are often fused together, with traditional instruments like the nyatiti and ngoni being used to create a distinctive sound. In Tanzania, music and dance are deeply connected to the Swahili culture, with a focus on storytelling and social commentary. Uganda is known for its lively music and dance scene, with artists like Eddy Kenzo and Sheebah Karungi bringing their unique styles to the world stage. Throughout East Africa, music and dance are used to celebrate culture and express emotion. #ZIFF23 #aspiration5 #africanfilmmakers Telco Broadband and Beyond PlayAfrikaTV EcoSureZW DStv

There are a number of upcoming African films in North Africa that are sure to make a splash. One film to look out for is "Wali" (or "Stranger"), an Algerian thriller about a man who returns to his hometown and finds it overrun by thugs. Another film is "Feathers," a Tunisian drama about a mother and her three daughters who navigate the turbulent aftermath of the Arab Spring. Finally, "Sudanese Cotton," a Sudanese documentary about a rural community's struggles to survive in the face of drought and government corruption. All of these films offer a unique glimpse into North African life and culture #ZIFF23 #aspiration5 #Africanfilmmakers Telco Broadband and Beyond PlayAfrikaTV EcoSureZW DStv