Richard Tentone is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in film and theatre arts, advertising, public relations, and creative entrepreneurship. With a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Theatre Arts from Midlands State University (MSU) and a Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations from the College of Professional Management (UK), Richard possesses a robust skill set that spans multiple disciplines.
From 2009 to 2020, Richard dedicated his expertise to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), where he held notable positions of increasing responsibility. Starting as an ICT Support Technician, Richard provided invaluable computer user support, conducted in-house training, and offered application support to ensure smooth technological operations within the organization. His commitment to delivering exceptional service and his aptitude for problem-solving made him an invaluable asset in this role.
Building upon his technical proficiency, Richard transitioned into the position of Web and Print Specialist at ZINWA. In this capacity, he demonstrated his keen eye for design and strategic planning by conceptualizing, designing, and implementing impactful print and web graphics. Additionally, Richard played a pivotal role in managing the organization’s corporate image online, ensuring a consistent and compelling digital presence.
Driven by his passion for the film industry, Richard actively pursued opportunities in film production, publicity, and talent development. He held the position of Production Manager for Guruuswa Film Company’s production, “Murindagomo” (2019), and served as the Director’s Assistant for “Mai Ndafunga Kure” (2021) and “Black Sheep” (2021), produced by Light Image Productions. Richard’s multifaceted skills and attention to detail contributed to the successful execution of these projects.
Richard Tentone chatting with the late Cont Mhlanga at Theatre in the Park
As a Publicist, Richard played a key role in promoting the “I Can Act” reality show (2021), “Faking It” drama series (2022), and “Broken Lives” (2023) for Tatenda Studios. In addition to his publicity responsibilities, Richard actively engaged with corporate clients, leveraging his sales expertise to secure sponsorships and partnerships for the shows. Furthermore, he utilized his design acumen to create captivating graphics for both “I Can Act” and “Faking It,” enhancing the visual appeal and brand identity of these productions.
Richard’s industry knowledge and discerning taste led to his inclusion on the jury panel for the esteemed Edo International Film Festival in 2022. In this role, he contributed to the evaluation and recognition of outstanding cinematic works, offering valuable insights and expertise to the selection process. Furthermore, Richard’s influence extended to the realm of film funding, as he became a member of the UNESCO IFCD Funding Committee in 2023, playing a crucial role in evaluating and allocating funds to support cultural and creative industry related projects.
Motivated by his passion for the film industry, Richard took the initiative to establish the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe in 2020, a creative enterprise dedicated to promoting and advancing the business of film within the country. Through this venture, he actively champions screenwriting, film distribution, marketing, and talent development, fostering an environment conducive to growth and success in the Zimbabwean film industry.
Richard Tentone with Boniface Chimedza and Nakai Tsuro and Mapfumo Katsaya at 3KTV
Beyond his involvement in the film sector, Richard has also shared his expertise by mentoring individuals in various fields, including Christian and startup founders. His guidance and support have contributed to the success of numerous ministries and startup ventures, solidifying his reputation as a trusted advisor and mentor.
Richard Tentone is a versatile professional with a wealth of experience in film, advertising, public relations, and creative entrepreneurship. His proficiency in screenwriting, film distribution, marketing, and talent development, combined with his commitment to excellence, makes him a valuable asset to any project or organization within the dynamic world of entertainment.
Richard is the founder and secretary general of the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ), as well as responsible for Partnerships at the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs) which are a CSZ initiative. Richard is also a Christian and fiction author.
Pingback: Reframing the Lens: A New Dawn for Zimbabwean Film | The ZAFTAs Blog