The International Image Film Festival for Women is in its 20th edition and this year SWIFT is there!
Zimbabwe hosts this year’s International Image Film Festival focusing on the theme ‘Women of Hope’ with the aim to showcase the resilience and dreams of women determined to succeed in Africa. The festival offers an opportunity for filmmakers to test their skills and form valuable connections with fellow industry professionals, both in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Zanele Mthembu, our SWIFT Acting Programme Manager, sits with Binete Undonque, Malaika Mushandu, Carine Tredgold and Nakai Matema to name but a few highly skilled, experienced and awarded practitioners who are chosen to judge a range of 38 domestic and international films, including documentaries, short fiction, and long fiction.
The ‘Pitching Masterclass’ is one of Zanele’s lead roles during the festival. It dares to open up the discussion for young filmmakers to grab a unique chance at refining their pitching skills, and securing backing for their various projects. Zanele Mthembu draws on more than 25 years of experience as a director and producer which counts towards her service in nurturing attendees and developing their skills. During her masterclass, participants will learn how to:
- Identify target audiences,
- Create compelling stories,
- Demonstrate a project's potential,
- Deliver an effective presentation and
- Networking with industry peers.
Further festival features include free admission to all event venues. Sihle Hlope, a Swiftie, screens her documentary Lobola Documentary Film on the following dates:
1. Dzivarasekwa, Friday 01 December: 15:00 - 17:00
2. Batanai Gardens, Saturday 02 December: 10:00 - 11:30
The festival, held in Harare and Bulawayo from November 28th to December 2nd and December 8th to 11th respectively, offers free admission to all event venues and showcases a range of 38 domestic and international films, including documentaries, short fiction, and long fiction.
The masterclass furthers the festival's mission of increasing empowerment in African media and promoting African-made films to a global audience. Highlighting the need to improve opportunities for female filmmakers' voices, attendees can leverage the class to tell compelling and engaging stories.
Festival’s mission of increasing empowerment in African media and promoting African-made films to a global audience.