Zimbabwe Oscars Committee Announces Film Submission Criteria for 97th Academy Awards

Harare, 27 June 2024 – The Zimbabwe Oscars Committee has officially released the film submission criteria for filmmakers aiming for the prestigious International Film Award category at the 97th Academy Awards. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the Zimbabwean film industry, providing filmmakers with clear guidelines to enhance their chances of global recognition.

Eligibility Requirements for Filmma

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To be eligible for selection onto the Zimbabwe Oscars Committee, filmmakers must meet specific criteria. The committee requires that applicants have a resume showcasing at least three film production credits in roles such as Producer, Director, or Cinematographer. Interested filmmakers are encouraged to submit their resumes to the Committee Chairperson at zimoscars@gmail.com.

Marc Mandisoul, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Oscars Committee, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Previously, Zimbabwean filmmakers were unable to enter the Oscars for the International Feature Film category. This committee, approved and endorsed by the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences in Hollywood, is crucial for representing our nation at the Oscars.”

Film Submission Criteria

The following are the key submission criteria for films aiming for the International Film Award category:

General Requirements

1. Film Length: The film must be over 90 minutes in length.
2. Nationality of Filmmakers: The film must be produced and directed by Zimbabwean citizens, whether residing in Zimbabwe or the diaspora.
3. Cast Composition: At least 90% of the cast must comprise Zimbabwean citizens.
4. Language Quota: The film should include a quota of local languages, accompanied by English subtitles and captions.
5. Public Exhibition: The film must be exhibited to a paying audience in a public cinema for a minimum of seven days before the official submission deadline.
6. Production Timeline: Films must be produced and completed between October 30, 2023, and October 30, 2024.

You can check out eligibility rules on the Oscars website here: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/rules-eligibility

Format Requirements

To ensure consistency and quality, films should be submitted in the following formats:

• 1080P HD, UHD 3480×2160
• Flat (1998×1080 or 3996×2160, ≈ 1.85:1)
• Scope (2048×858 or 4096×1716, ≈ 2.39:1)
• HDTV (1920×1080 or 3840×2160, ≈ 1.78:1)
• Full (2048×1080 or 4096×2160, ≈ 1.90:1)

Additionally, filmmakers must provide up to five promotional images, such as posters and marketing materials that best represent the film’s storyline.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Zimbabwe Oscars Committee is comprehensive. All committee members will individually view the submitted films before participating in a projected cinema screening as a team. They will then vote for the best production to represent Zimbabwe at the Academy Awards. If only one film is submitted in a given year, the committee will still review it to determine if it meets the required standards for submission.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Zimbabwe Oscars Committee and the release of these submission criteria represent a pivotal step toward enhancing the visibility of Zimbabwean cinema on the global stage. With the opportunity to compete at the Academy Awards, filmmakers are encouraged to meet the outlined criteria and showcase the rich storytelling traditions of Zimbabwe.

For more details about the submission process or inquiries, please contact the Zimbabwe Oscars Committee at zimbabweoscars@gmail.com or call +263 777 998057 / +263 710 858027.