KUDZAI CHITSATSO
THE 2024 edition of International Images Film Festival for Women (IIFF) roars into life on August 23, with over sixty films expected to be screened over nine days across five venues around Harare.
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| IIFF 2024 |
In its 21st edition, the festival will run up to August 31, and it is an ICAPA Trust initiative. The ICAPA Trust is a renowned organization dedicated to promoting the arts and supporting creative expression in Zimbabwe.
Through initiatives like the International Images Film Festival for Women, ICAPA Trust seeks to amplify voices and perspectives that contribute to a richer, more inclusive cultural landscape in Africa and beyond.
IIFF 2024 will run under the theme 'Women of the Future'. This theme points to changes in society away from regarding women as exploitable objects towards an idea of women as individuals who know their worth and who have activated their potential so that they are able to realise their goals for their own good and for the good of society.
The festival will open on August 23 at 1800 with a ceremony at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) where the South Sudanese full length fiction film GOODBYE JULIA (2023) directed by Mohamed Kordofani will be screened.
The film, as well as other films that are part of the festival, will also be screened at four other venues across Harare Harare — B2C Nexus Batanai Mall, Alliance Frà ncaise, Dzivarasekwa Community Hall 1, and Hatcliffe Community Centre Hall — over the nine days.
Screenings will be held daily from 0900 to 1700, showcasing an exceptional lineup of films that explore the dynamic and multifaceted experiences of women from different cultures and backgrounds. All screenings and events are free, although some events are by invitation only.
A Rungano Nyoni directed film, ON BECOMING A GUINEA FOWL, will close the festival on August 31.
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| Some films to look forward to at IIFF 2024 |
Some of the films to look forward to at IIFF 2024 include :
- Tiger stripes – Malaysia
- A place at the operating table – USA, Zimbabwe
- Daughter of Rage – Nicaragua, Mexico
- June Again – Australia
- Mamifera – Spain
- Mambar Pierrette – Cameroon
- Banel and Adama – Senegal
- Are you there God? It’s me, Margaret – USA
- Our Father, the Devil – France
- 4KUS – Zimbabwe
- Baada Ya Masika – Tanzania
IIFF 2024 also goes beyond film, with a dual book launch on August 29 at Alliance Française, beginning at 1800. House of Books will be launching Kusagadzikana and Hakuna Zvakadaro, which are Shona language translations of Tsitsi Dangarembga's Nervous Conditions and The Book of Not by Ignatius Mabasa and Dr Tanaka Chidora respectively.
Speaking with ZimSphere, ICAPA Trust founding director, Tsitsi Dangarembga, confirmed that all is in place for a successful hosting of the festival.
She also revealed that this year’s festival will introduce new categories to honour outstanding cinematic contributions across a wider scale.
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| IIFF 2023 award gongs |
She gave an interesting insight into some of these categories saying, “There is a 'New Man' category for stories about men and how they interact with women. There is also the 'World View' category which recognizes films that depict how Africa views the world.”
She further highlighted that the Best Zimbabwean Film category is set to celebrate exceptional local cinematic talent.
In addition to the captivating entertainment, the IIFF will also feature insightful masterclasses that are aimed at equipping aspiring filmmakers. These include:
1. Story and Script Development Masterclass with Donat Keusch (Switzerland) and Gabriele Sindler (Austria/Germany) – 25 August 2024, 10am-12pm at Batanai Mall (B2C).
2. Film Music Masterclass with musician and composer Ossei Essed (USA) 26 August 2024, 10am-12pm at Alliance Francaise
3. Feminism and Film Masterclass with Carla Sospedra (Spain) 28 August 2024, 10am-12pm at Alliance Francaise
The IIFF continues on its mission to empower and elevate women's voices in the film industry, offering a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to share their unique stories and perspective.
With its diverse program and new awards, the festival underscores its commitment to fostering a global dialogue about the roles and impact of women in the future.
Be sure to find a day to attend IIFF 2024 at a local venue of your choice to witness emancipatory films from across the world.
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