THE country’s first independent television station, 3Ktv, says it is relishing the opportunity to continue its association with the Jakwara Short Film Competition and Awards which is now in season three.
The Jakwara Short Film competition, organised by Nhaka Productions in partnership with the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe, seeks to “uncover new filmmaking talent showcasing incredible originality, unbridled imagination, and pure entertainment.”
Last year Zimbabwe’s leading privatelyowned national commercial television station sponsored the People’s Choice Award in the Jakwara Short Film Competition which was won by comedian Taurai ‘‘Gringo Junior’’ Boora.
3ktv head of programming, Lucia Kanyongo said it was a great honour to continue working with the influential Jakwara Short Film Competition and Awards “3ktv is proud to be a partner in the promotion of young filmmakers through the Jakwara Short Film Competition and Awards. We are sponsoring the People’s Choice Award, which provides a platform to showcase Zimbabwe’s vast talent.
“This year we are looking forward to yet another competition, which will be bigger and better and which falls under the theme marriage and courtship,” said Kanyongo.
Jakwara Short Film Competition and Awards coordinator Erisina Hwede said the third season, running under the theme ‘Courtship and Marriages; The Traditional Methods,’ has been configured to unleash more new talent.
“This competition focuses on promoting the film industry through awarding excellence and talent. The competition started in 2022 with two partners Nhaka TV and Cinema Society of Zimbabwe. Before its maiden awards, it had already attracted another player 3Ktv,” said Hwede.
She added that they were happy with the way the competition has progressed to date. “The maiden season did not have a theme. Filmmakers were asked to submit whatever production they had done and the response was very encouraging.
The engagements and the synergies built out of this event were very encouraging. “Season two was different; it ran under the theme ‘Drug and Substance Abuse.’ The stories and films that came out of this were amazing in both quality and storytelling.
“Season three focuses on Zimbabwean culture and heritage. Film producers are supposed to research different traditional courtship and marriage methods in Zimbabwe and then produce a 10-minute (minimum) film or a documentary on it,” she said, adding that there will be attractive prices on offer.
“There are still four basic prizes to be won and many others. The competition has also been joined by a new partner Nhosvo Culture and Heritage Experiences. We are looking forward to more exciting and bigger competition this year.”
