Shem Zemura, the renowned Zimbabwean film director, producer, cinematographer, editor, writer, and actor, has been making significant strides in the film and television industry. With his remarkable contributions to the field, Shem Zemura has garnered numerous accolades and has played a pivotal role in shaping the Zimbabwean film landscape. In an exclusive interview with the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs), Shem shared his thoughts on the industry, his recent achievements, and his vision for the future.
A Trailblazing Journey
Shem Zemura’s journey in the film industry has been nothing short of remarkable. With notable works such as “Muchaneta,” “Muzita raBaba,” “Tangled” drama series, and “The Squad Games,” he has captivated audiences and transformed the lives of many individuals within the industry. From creating employment opportunities to defining careers, Shem Zemura’s work has had a profound impact.
Shem Zemura – founder of Rain Media and cofounder of Mirazvo Productions
Recognition and Success
The recent selection of Shem Zemura’s film, “Deaths and Other Complications,” at the Bantu Film Festival is a testament to the quality of Zimbabwean films and storytelling. Shem Zemura expressed his gratitude to the festival organizers for the honour and highlighted the importance of breaking down colonial border barriers, allowing regional storytellers to network effectively. Furthermore, “Deaths and Other Complications” winning the Best Feature Film Southern Africa award at the Sotambe Film Festival showcased Zimbabwe’s readiness to compete at an international level.
Zimbabwean Films on the Rise
Shem Zemura shed light on the trend of Zimbabwean films dominating selections at film festivals such as the Bantu Film Festival and the Sotambe Film Festival. He emphasized the need for equal representation of Zimbabwean content on platforms such as Zambezi Magic and Showmax, and highlighted the significant contribution of Zimbabwean crew members in the Zambian television industry.
Celebrating Life and Future Ventures
As Shem Zemura celebrated his birthday, he shared his unique approach to marking the occasion. Each year, he gifts himself something meaningful for the future. From establishing Rain Media, the largest TV content production company in Zimbabwe, to acquiring a logistics company that caters to production companies’ needs, Shem Zemura continually invests in ventures that contribute to his personal growth and the advancement of the industry. His latest venture involves the purchase of land to build a resort in Murewa, with the chalets serving as potential sets for future productions.
Positioning Zimbabwean Film and TV for Growth
Drawing from his experience, Shem Zemura highlighted the challenges faced by the film and TV sector in Zimbabwe. Limited funding, lack of distribution channels, and the need for more infrastructure and trained professionals were among the obstacles discussed. He stressed the importance of adequate funding, supportive policies, and the nurturing of local film institutions to promote industry growth.
Shem Zemura – film producer, director, screenwriter, cinematographer and actor
Positive Contributions from Dr. Nicholas Moyo
When asked about the appointment of Dr. Nicholas Moyo as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sport, Arts, Recreation, and Culture, Shem Zemura expressed optimism about his potential to make positive changes. Citing Dr. Moyo’s successful tenure as Director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Shem Zemura believed that his expertise would benefit the sector.
The Impact of New Television Stations
Shem Zemura acknowledged the positive impact of the introduction of new television stations in Zimbabwe. The expansion of channels has created employment opportunities and injected money into the industry. The competition among these stations has raised the quality of content, positioning Zimbabwe to compete with other regional powerhouses in the future.
Future Projects and Exciting Prospects
Fans of Shem Zemura’s popular works, such as “Tangled” and “The Squad Games,” can look forward to brand new seasons of these shows in 2024. Additionally, a comedy series titled “Tsom-Tsom” will grace the screens on NRTV in the same year. Shem Zemura also revealed his plans for a project called “Fill Up The Cinema,” which aims to revive the cinema-going culture in Zimbabwe through a series of films to be screened locally.
Conclusion
Shem Zemura’s passion, talent, and unwavering dedication have propelled him to the forefront of the Zimbabwean film and television industry. With his groundbreaking productions, he continues to push boundaries and redefine storytelling in the region. As Zimbabwean films gain recognition on international platforms, Shem Zemura’s work serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and a testament to the country’s rich storytelling heritage. With his vision for growth and commitment to excellence, Shem Zemura is poised to make an indelible mark on the global film scene.
