Danai Gurira, Chipo Chung, and Tongai Chirisa Hono...

Danai Gurira, Chipo Chung, and Tongai Chirisa Honored as ZAFTAs Cultural Ambassadors

Audrey Galawu

Assistant Editor

Danai Gurira, Chipo Chung, and Tongai Chirisa Honored as ZAFTAs Cultural Ambassadors In a dazzling celebration of artistic excellence, the Zimbabwe Academy of Film and Television Arts 2024 honored three Zimbabwean icons—Danai Gurira, Chipo Chung, and Arnold Tongai Chirisa—with the prestigious Outstanding Cultural Ambassador Award.

This recognition highlights their significant contributions to promoting Zimbabwean culture and artistry on the global stage. Danai Gurira, internationally renowned for her roles in Black Panther and The Walking Dead, has consistently used her platform to amplify African stories. Her work as a playwright, including the acclaimed Eclipsed, has brought the complexities of African life and history to global audiences, solidifying her reputation as a storyteller who bridges continents. Chipo Chung, a versatile actress and activist, is celebrated for her performances in productions like Doctor Who and Into the Badlands.

Beyond her acting, Chung is a passionate advocate for social justice and the arts, championing Zimbabwean heritage through her work in international creative circles. Arnold Tongai Chirisa, known for his roles in Crusoe and Palm Springs, has steadily risen as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

His commitment to representing Zimbabwean talent on screen has made him a source of pride for his homeland, as he continuously advocates for African representation in mainstream media. The Outstanding Cultural Ambassador Award underscores the ZAFTAs’ commitment to celebrating individuals who embody the spirit of Zimbabwe through their art. By honouring these three luminaries, the awards spotlight the transformative power of Zimbabwean talent on the global stage. Notably, Nesu Madakiwe and Cordelia Masalethulini won awards for their exceptional performances in the film, while Ashley Rumbidzayi Rundofa’s screenplay for Uncalculated Mistake was recognized for its powerful storytelling.

The Outstanding Short Film Award went to Taxi by Jonathan Samkange, demonstrating that impactful narratives can be delivered in brief formats. The ZAFTAs extended their reach with awards celebrating global excellence. Films like Baratani (Botswana) and Death Valley (Kenya) received accolades for Outstanding Short Film and Animation, respectively. Meanwhile, Iran's In The Arms of The Tree was honoured as the Outstanding International Feature Film, highlighting a diversity of voices on the international stage. Village 4, featuring Percy Soko’s riveting performance, claimed multiple awards, including Excellence in Indigenous Cultural Expression on Screen. This reaffirms the importance of preserving cultural narratives through cinematic art.

The growing influence of digital media was also recognized, with Ollah 7 Podcast winning Outstanding Podcasting Award and 3KTV taking home the Popular Television Station title through public voting. Lifetime Achievement Awards were bestowed upon luminaries like Dorothy Chidzawo and Joyce Jenje Makwenda for their enduring contributions to the arts.