Harare, 13 October 2023 – The Cinema Society of Zimbabwe is thrilled to announce its involvement in the discussions surrounding the establishment of a film consortium among Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. This initiative aims to foster cross-cultural collaboration and trade within the film industry in the region, opening up new opportunities for creative minds and industry experts.
On October 12, 2023, ELYSIAN’s Events Department organized an event titled “Film and Theatre” under the theme “Fostering Cross-Cultural Collaboration and Trade.” The objective of this event was to provide a platform for key players in the industry to come together and engage in discussions on how artists in the Southern African region can collaborate and trade within and across their countries.
During the event, various topics were explored, including unlocking cross-national partnerships in Film and Theatre, navigating legal and financial aspects of cross-border productions, distribution and exhibition strategies for international productions, and the cultural preservation and tourism impact of cross-national productions. The insights and discussions from the event were recorded to ensure that key players can join the conversation and share their perspectives.
One of the significant outcomes of the event was the decision to establish an International Consortium that will facilitate mutually beneficial cross-national partnerships in the Southern African region. ELYSIAN, in collaboration with the Film Association of Malawi (FAMA), Sotambe Film Institute, the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs), ZiphoZonice Masuku, and Constance Thyangathyanga, will spearhead the creation of this consortium.
“We are delighted to be part of this exciting initiative,” said Richard Tentone spokesperson for the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe. “The film consortium has the potential to strengthen collaboration and trade within the region, promoting the growth and development of the film industry in Southern Africa.”
By establishing the film consortium, the participating organizations aim to create a supportive network that encourages cross-border collaborations, enhances knowledge sharing, and fosters the growth of the film industry in the region. This collaboration will contribute to the cultural and economic development of the participating countries, opening up new avenues for talent exchange, film production, and distribution.
The Cinema Society of Zimbabwe is committed to actively engaging in this endeavor and looks forward to collaborating with other industry stakeholders in the region. As the consortium takes shape, further updates and details will be shared with the public.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Carroline Makoni
Marketing and Public Relations
Mobile: 0775 518 766
Email: carrol@zata.org
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About the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe
The Cinema Society of Zimbabwe is an esteemed organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the film industry in Zimbabwe. It aims to create a vibrant and thriving film community by organizing events, providing resources and training opportunities, and advocating for the growth and recognition of local talent. The Cinema Society of Zimbabwe is committed to fostering collaborations and partnerships that contribute to the overall development of the film industry in the country and the Southern African region.