Zimbabwe’s film industry is entering a defining moment — one marked by renewed ambition, growing structure and a resurgence of pride in authentic local storytelling. 

At the centre of this transformation is the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe, an organisation steadily positioning itself as a catalyst for rebuilding and modernising the national film sector.

In an exclusive conversation with ZimNow, the organisation’s founder and chairperson, Richard Tentone, offered insightful reflections that reveal a sector preparing for long-term transformation driven by strategic clarity and a commitment to national development.

Tentone articulates the Cinema Society’s vision in clear and ambitious terms.

“Our vision is to build a film industry that serves as a true cornerstone of national development,” he says. “This goes far beyond entertainment; it is about creating sustainable jobs, preserving our rich culture, and ensuring Zimbabwe's narrative is shaped by us, for a global audience.”

He adds that aligning the Society’s work with national frameworks including NDS1 and the National Film Strategy (2025–2030) ensures that the creative industries grow in sync with the country’s broader development agenda.

To translate that vision into tangible opportunities, the Cinema Society has built a suite of programmes that support filmmakers, actors and writers at different levels. Tentone highlights the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards  as a flagship platform that both celebrates excellence and creates market pathways.

“The ZAFTAs is both a celebration of excellence and a vital marketplace for our content,” he notes.

This work is complemented by initiatives such as the Jakwara Short Film Competition, the Starlight Television programme, filmmaking bootcamps, and structured mentorship sessions through Storilabs. The organisation is also developing the Academy of Motion Pictures to strengthen ethics, professional standards and networking across the industry.

“We run a multi-faceted ecosystem designed to support creatives at every stage,” Tentone explains.

Visibility, Tentone says, is central to the Society’s strategy.

“Visibility is a top priority,” he emphasises. “Internationally, we have secured agreements with a Netflix agent for streaming and a cinema chain in the UK for theatrical releases.”

Regional partnerships with exhibitors across Africa are helping create pipelines for pan-African storytelling, while domestic platforms such as Starlight and the ZAFTAs ensure local content remains in public view.

Strategic partnerships continue to play a vital role in the Society’s progress. Tentone says they maintain ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Broadcasting and Publicity.

“This engagement has yielded tangible results,” he notes, citing the inclusion of film-specific budget items in the 2025 and 2026 National Budgets as a major milestone.

The Society also contributed to the development and launch of the National Film Strategy. Outside government, Tentone points to partnerships with Multichoice Zimbabwe, Corepay, 3KTV, and diplomatic collaborations with countries such as Iran and China.

“These partnerships do more than fund events; they foster artistic exchange and create concrete pathways for international co-production opportunities,” he says.

Young filmmakers remain at the heart of the Cinema Society’s agenda.

“We are deeply committed to building the next generation,” Tentone says.

Through Storilabs, upcoming filmmakers access masterclasses, workshops and mentorships led by seasoned industry professionals. Competitions such as Jakwara and the student categories at the ZAFTAs offer invaluable exposure, while the filmmaking bootcamp provides hands-on experience that builds both technical skill and creative confidence.

Despite progress, structural constraints continue to challenge local creators — particularly in funding, technical resources and distribution. Tentone explains that the Society tackles these issues through sustained advocacy and targeted interventions.

“For funding, we lobby for a dedicated national film fund and are developing our own Zambuko Growth Fund initiative to provide financial resources,” he says.

On distribution, the Society is forging international deals and advocating for sustainable local cinema models, with a long-term goal of establishing one cinema per province. Policy reform and intellectual property protection also remain central concerns, and Tentone highlights ongoing work with government to create a more enabling environment for the business of film.

For Tentone, storytelling is inseparable from nationhood.

“Storytelling is the soul of a nation,” he says, referencing timeless classics such as Neria and Flame as cultural anchors.

He adds that modern successes demonstrate the industry’s global potential.

“Cook Off, the first Zimbabwean film on Netflix, and the ZAFTAs award-winning Ikasi The Hood prove our creators are more fired up than ever to tell authentic stories with undeniable global appeal.”

According to Tentone, these films carry power beyond entertainment:

“They unite us, celebrate who we are, and firmly claim our place in the global storyverse.”

Tentone sets out a bold five-year vision.

“In five years, I see three concrete milestones,” he says: a globally recognised Zimbabwean cinematic voice, high-quality production supported by strong infrastructure including a national film fund and a major international film festival, and a thriving, sustainable domestic market.

He affirms that the Cinema Society will remain “the persistent catalyst, convener and champion at the heart of this transformation.” His final message is hopeful:

“With a new policy framework, relentless passion from our artists, and growing collaborative will, I am profoundly optimistic that our industry is on the cusp of a definitive renaissance.”

The work of the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe reveals an industry not only rebuilding itself, but repositioning for a future defined by creativity, professionalism and national pride. 

The foundations being laid today suggest that Zimbabwean cinema is on a strong path toward cultural impact and global recognition — one story at a time.