BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
ORGANISERS of the European Film Festival Zimbabwe 2021 have called for “renewed thinking” to reflect in this year’s entries in light of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the organisers, the organisers said the deadline for entries for this year’s edition of the Bioskop Zimbabwe Short Film Competition is July 31.
“Will we ever return to life as it was? That is a question that many of us may ask considering the disruption that 2020 brought. Or maybe we have to make some changes, this could be the challenge. But what changes need to be made?
“We are social beings, the need for contact and interaction is central to our existence. The theme for this year’s competition is Life As We Now Know It? As the artist, the creative, the filmmaker, the challenge is on you to offer renewed thinking and insight into how best we can reshape and reimagine our future,” the statement read in part.
The competition has five categories with winners set to receive cash prizes.
To be eligible, participants must be of Zimbabwean origin, based, living or working in Zimbabwe or in any European or African country.
“This competition is open to all genres of film — animation, documentary, live action. Films from all genres can be submitted for application. Only short films up to a maximum length and not older than two years (January 2020) are accepted.”
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“Each film must be submitted via https://filmfreeway.com/TheEuropeanFilmFestivalZimbabwe and provide the requested material,” the statement added.
For the submission format, the organisers said they would only be accepting films in digital format and if the original version is in a language other than English, the film needs to be subtitled in English.
Winners will be notified via email on September 27 and winning films will be announced on social media platforms.
“Films will be judged based on content and creativity as well as technical aspects. Also taking into consideration that some of you might be working with limited resources. Be innovative, work with what you can and tell us your story.”
The organisers said in the case of a selection, the submitted film may be shown several times during the festival, adding that they also reserved the right to make a password-protected copy of the film accessible to representatives of the Press or selected industry professionals.
“With the submission of the film, the festival is permitted to use the film, credits and the name of the director as well as film stills and film excerpts (maximum 60 seconds) for general promotion within the framework of the festival (including television, web, cinema and showreel).”
“Should the film win a prize, it may also be shown twice as part of best-of programmes following the festival. In this case, the entrant will be notified in advance. The images will also be used for the European Film Festival Zimbabwe Print Products (festival publications) and online media (websites, apps, social media channels) where they will remain available without any time or territorial restrictions.”
The judges related to a filmmaker will not be allowed to adjudicate in the category of the said filmmaker.
“Participating filmmakers, who have family members organising or judging the competition must advise the festival co-ordinators of their relationship with the jury or judges to avoid conflict of interest.”
“An independent jury panel made up of industry professionals, academics, community and business leaders judge all films in the official competition. This will ensure that the adjudication process remains transparent and fair. Violation of this advisory will constitute disqualification of your film from the competition.”
Winners for the best narrative and best documentary short categories will pocket US$400 each, best sound editing winner gets US$200 while the best cinematography and best diaspora film winners will each walk away US$200 richer.
- Follow Winstone on Twitter @widzoanto
