In a pivotal move to address the long-standing challenges faced by Zimbabwe’s film and television industry, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services convened a public hearing to explore the state of this vital sector. The invitation was extended to Richard Tentone, the founder of the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe, who took the stage to present a comprehensive overview of the industry’s current landscape and the strategic interventions required to unlock its full potential.
The hearing, which took place at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, was chaired by Honourable Caston Matewu, Member of Parliament for Marondera Central constituency. Accompanying and lending support to Tentone’s testimony was filmmaker Billy Kabasa of Kumran Arts and Media, who emphasized the transformative impact that government investment in the film industry could have on the nation’s socio-economic fabric, drawing parallels to the support provided to the agricultural sector.
The Cinema Society of Zimbabwe’s request to present before the committee was prompted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s promise in 2021 to establish an Arts Development Fund and set up a Film Commission. The president made these commitments during the Varsity Film Expo held in Bulawayo from 5-6 December 2021, a move that signaled the government’s recognition of the industry’s importance and the need for strategic intervention.
Tentone’s testimony highlighted the multifaceted challenges facing the Zimbabwean film and television industry, including a lack of funding and investment, the absence of effective policies and regulations, the exploitation of industry players, and barriers to growth and development. He emphasized the industry’s unrealized potential, citing UNESCO’s 2021 African Film Report which estimate that the African film industry has the capacity to generate $20 billion annually, with Zimbabwe poised to contribute at least $500 million and employ over 100,000 people across various related industries.
Tentone’s presentation underscored the industry’s potential to serve as a powerful platform for showcasing and promoting Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, fostering creativity and innovation, strengthening national identity, and enhancing the country’s global image and reputation. Aligning with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), he highlighted the industry’s ability to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty alleviation, gender equality, decent work, and economic growth, among others.
In response to the challenges identified, Tentone proposed a series of targeted interventions and recommendations, including the establishment of a Film Fund with an initial investment of $200,000 to produce two international feature films, the provision of land for the development of independent film production infrastructure under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, and the implementation of industry-specific policies and regulations to protect the local industry and promote growth.
To attract foreign investment, Tentone suggested the introduction of tax incentives, the creation of a One-Stop Shop to streamline regulatory requirements, the establishment of co-production agreements with other countries, and the investment in state-of-the-art film production facilities and studios.
The Committee, impressed by the comprehensive nature of Tentone’s presentation, engaged in a robust Q&A session, delving deeper into the proposed strategies for fund management, land utilization, and the legislative changes required to support the industry’s transformation. Recognizing the significance of the industry’s development, the Committee invited the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe to provide additional details and recommendations, underscoring their commitment to exploring viable solutions.
The hearing was attended by representatives from the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN), and the Zimbabwe Film and Television School of Southern Africa (ZIFTESSA), highlighting the cross-sectoral interest and the potential for collaboration in revitalizing the Zimbabwean film and television industry.
As the nation looks to the future, the testimony presented by the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe serves as a critical roadmap for unlocking the industry’s potential, fostering cultural preservation, economic growth, and national pride. With the government’s renewed focus and the Parliamentary Committee’s engagement, the stage is set for a transformative era in the Zimbabwean film and television landscape, paving the way for a thriving creative economy and a stronger national identity.
