Tafadzwa Ranganai: The Rising Star of Zimbabwean Filmmaking

Tafadzwa Ranganai, a talented Zimbabwean filmmaker, has been making waves in the industry with his passion for fiction and his remarkable creative ventures. Graduating from the University of Botswana with a Bachelor of Media Studies degree in 2011, Tafadzwa wasted no time in establishing his film production company, Creative Hub Films, alongside his college classmates.

With Creative Hub Films, Tafadzwa embarked on numerous projects in Botswana, ranging from captivating short films to thought-provoking documentaries and mesmerizing music videos. The company’s dedication to storytelling and visual excellence quickly gained recognition.

In 2014, Tafadzwa returned to his homeland of Zimbabwe and expanded Creative Hub Films, setting up its Zimbabwean office. The following year, he made a significant impact by directing the first season of the immensely popular reality TV series, Battle of the Chefs. This culinary showdown, aired on ZBC, captivated audiences and showcased Tafadzwa’s directorial prowess. While working on subsequent seasons of Battle of the Chefs as a cameraman and editor, Tafadzwa simultaneously produced and directed Homemade with DeAnkarra Chef, a cooking show that also aired on ZBC.

Tafadzwa’s talents extended beyond the realm of television. In 2018, he took on the role of location producer for the Zimbabwean episode (S01E04) of the esteemed BBC travel series, Africa with Ade Adepitan. This opportunity allowed him to exhibit his skills on an international platform.

2019 proved to be a landmark year for Tafadzwa as he ventured into the realm of feature films. Despite limited resources, he courageously shot his first full-length movie, Nevanji, in Zimbabwe. The film, completed in 2021, has garnered international recognition, featuring in prestigious film festivals around the world, including Pinewood Studios’ First-Time Filmmaker Sessions (UK) and the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (USA). Additionally, Tafadzwa co-wrote and directed the award-winning short film, The Mole, as part of the European Union Film Festival in Zimbabwe during the same year.

In 2020, Tafadzwa joined Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN) and made significant contributions in the post-production department, specializing in motion graphics and animation. His talent and dedication propelled him to the position of Head of Graphics, where he continued to utilize his filmmaking skills. This journey culminated in him directing the highly acclaimed 2021 edition of the National Arts and Merit Awards (NAMA) show.

In 2022, Tafadzwa returned to freelance work full-time, showcasing his exceptional editing skills on the popular telenovela, Tangled, created by Shem Zemura and broadcasted on 3KTV. After editing over 100 episodes of the show, Tafadzwa decided to embark on his own production.

Tafadzwa Ranganai is an extraordinary talent, constantly pushing boundaries and crafting remarkable stories through his filmmaking prowess. With each project he undertakes, he brings a unique perspective to the screen, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact. Keep an eye on this rising star as he continues to shine brightly in the world of Zimbabwean filmmaking.