EU ambassador celebrates collaboration between Zimbabwean and European filmmakers

On 12 October 2024, H.E. Jobst von Kirchmann, the EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, delivered a speech at the opening of the ninth edition of the European Film Festival Zimbabwe, hosted at the Mbare Art Space.

The event brought together diplomats, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts to celebrate cinema as a medium of storytelling, not only from a European perspective but with an inclusion of African and Zimbabwean narratives.

Ambassador von Kirchmann expressed excitement about the festival’s growth since its inception. Initially focused solely on European films, the festival now features diverse films from Europe, Africa, and Zimbabwe. The festival, which first came to Mbare last year, has expanded its reach to Kadoma, Gweru, and Bulawayo, reflecting its success in engaging a broader audience.

The Ambassador highlighted the festival’s role in promoting cultural exchange and co-creation. He underscored the importance of film in bringing people together and facilitating connections across cultures, also emphasising the festival’s support for the local industry through side events like panel discussions and workshops.

Ambassador von Kirchmann applauded the collaborative efforts between European and Zimbabwean film experts. He referenced a roundtable discussion organised by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, which focused on making the Zimbabwean film industry more profitable and the importance of creating films that tell Zimbabwean stories. This discussion, according to the Ambassador, highlighted the challenges and opportunities within the local film sector.

One of the festival’s key highlights, according to the Ambassador, is the Bioskop short film competition, which showcases emerging Zimbabwean talent. He expressed pride in the involvement of local jury members, including Daniel Lasker and Prosper Kunyetu, who play a crucial role in recognising and celebrating Zimbabwean filmmakers. The winners of this competition were announced during the festival.

Ambassador von Kirchmann addressed the festival’s 2024 theme, which focuses on women in film. He highlighted the significance of empowering women within the film industry, from the festival’s coordination and curation team, which is female-led, to films that explore women’s lived realities. This emphasis on gender equality aligns with the EU’s broader partnership with Zimbabwe, which includes a focus on women’s empowerment.