Here are your ZAFTAs 2024 nominees

KINGSTONE ZIMUNYA

THE Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs) return for a second edition later this month under the theme “Frame by Frame: Building a thriving cinematic landscape in Zimbabwe”. The organisers of the awards, the Cinema Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ), released the nominees for this year’s edition this past Tuesday. 

After a hosting a highly successful inaugural edition in December 2023, CSZ are looking to up the ante for the 2024 edition and continue delivering their mandate of honouring outstanding achievements of filmmakers, actors and industry professionals.  

Speaking to ZimSphere, ZAFTAs Publicist Richard Tentone reflected on the major takeaways from the Awards' first edition; "From our first edition, we learned so much! One key takeaway was the importance of engaging with our community and ensuring the nomination and voting processes are inclusive. We also recognized that we could improve logistics to enhance the overall experience for everyone involved." 

The 2024 edition is a tad bit leaner, with 34 categories (one less than the 2023 edition), but can also be commended for casting the net wider. In addition to the traditional filmmakers and actors, other industry players such as podcasters, journalists and online content creators have been recognized; a nod to their crucial contribution to the evolving film and television landscape in Zimbabwe. 

Leading the nominations for ZAFTAs 2024 is Neria 21, a remake of the 1991 classic which remains arguably Zimbabwe finest local production to date. Riding on the nostalgia, the Vimbai Sinchuke-produced film managed to scoop a whopping twelve nominations across the major film categories.

Neria 21 leads the nominations at the ZAFTAs 2024

It seems the cast and crew ticked all the boxes - getting nods in Acting, Editing, Screenwriting, Directing, Cinematography, Sound Design, Production Design, Costume Design; as well as the coveted Outstanding Feature Film Award. 

Following closely is 4KUS, a drug-awareness campaign packaged into a thrilling feature film that has captivated audiences since its release in May. The film garnered nine nominations, going toe-to-toe with Neria 21 for the Outstanding Feature Film Award, as well as Screenwriting, Editing, Directing, Editing and Cinematography. Kundai Mabviko, who starred as the headstrong main character called Princess, got nominated for the Outstanding Actress in a Film Award.

At their first attempt, Nikromat Films has captured the eyes of film critics with their drama titled Uncalculated Mistake. The feature film received 7 nominations at the ZAFTAs, including for Outstanding Feature Film and Outstanding Screenwriting. The lead actress, Nyaradzo Matanga also got a nod for Outstanding Actress in a Feature Film. The film traces a girl by the name of Petty reminiscing on her life to her pastor after a failed marriage brought about a failed suicide attempt. 

Following closely is Nyanga with six nominations. The movie follows Panganayi, a dedicated ranger who loses his wife, while battling poachers who target the beloved rhinos he has dedicated his life towards protecting.

Nyanga film poster

In the television categories, Inkaba leads the pack with seven nominations. The John Mabuyane-produced series focuses on the lives of two families as they navigate life's ups and downs. Lead actors John Mabuyane and Chelesile Mpofu are nominated in the Outstanding Acting caterogies, while Mabuyane is also nominated for Directing and Writing the show. Closely following Inkaba on the nominations tally is Nhaka Yeupenyu with six nominations. The web series, created and directed by Munashe Chitsiga, explores the dynamic between two siblings who reside at their childhood home. 

Love and Reality completes the three dominating series at this year's ZAFTAs. The Slimaz Pro Original, written and directed by veteran producer William Slim Magombedze, follows Lesley (played by Tinotenda Katsande) as she discovers the reality of love that comes with marriage. 

A couple of international films and documentaries were also submitted for consideration for this year’s edition of the ZAFTA’s. A variety of productions from Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, Russia and Iran made the final list of nominees. The inclusion of international productions at the 2024 ZAFTA’s represents a renewed interest in Zimflix, reminiscent of the golden age when Hollywood films were being shot across Zimbabwe. 

As with last year, the ZAFTA's will also be giving Honorary awards to industry stalwarts who have tirelessly worked to create a better future for Zimflix. Mebtuoned for the Lifetime Achievement Award are Dorothy Chidzawo, Charles Sekete, Joice Jenje Makwenda, and Anthony Fortune Ruzugunde. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the enduring contributions of film and television professionals whose exceptional talent and dedication have shaped the industry.

A new honorary award, the Outstanding Cultural Ambassador Award, has also been introduced. The Award honors filmmakers abroad who tirelessly promote Zimbabwean culture through their work. Four individuals, namely Chipo Chung, Danai Gurira, Tongai Chirisa and Chiedza Mhende are nominated. 

Tentone confirmed that all the mentioned names will be honoured on the night, recognising the importance of giving them their flowers in due time. 

"These individuals have paved the way and played crucial roles in our industry, so we want to celebrate all of them. On the night of the event, we’ll honour each of their contributions, which is our way of showing appreciation for their impact on film and television in Zimbabwe. We have a backlog, that’s the best way to put it. We are 45 years into independence and we have done nothing to honour the people who played key roles before and after independence," he explained. 

Two awards will be decided by the viewers – the People’s Choice for Best Television Production Award and the Popular Content Creator Award. Rising TikTok comedian MoojayaZW stands out amongst other popular names like Kingslee ZW and Chipo The Trouble Maker. The Best Television Production Award is a four-way tussle between the highest-nominated TV shows and Nhodo.  

The ZAFTAs 2024 Edition will be happening on November 30, 2024 in the capital. The Awards will be broadcasted on 3KTV and livestreamed on social media platforms.

Below is the full list of nominees:

Outstanding Television Production Award 

• Bundu
• Inkaba 
• Love and Reality 

People’s Choice for Best Television Production Award (Public Voting) 

• Nhodo 
• Inkaba 
• Love and Reality 
• Nhaka Yeupenyu 

Popular Content Creator Award (Public Voting) 

• Chipo the Trouble Maker 
• MoojayaZW 
• Code Red 
• Kingslee ZW 

Outstanding Actor in a Television Production Award 

• John Mabuyane in Inkaba 
• Tendai Madzviti in Bundu 
• Charles Kamala in Nhaka Yeupenyu 
• Percy Soko in Village 4 

Outstanding Actress in a Television Production Award 

• Chelesile Mpofu in Inkaba
• Tinotenda Katsande in Love and Reality 
• Shamiso Nduru in Nhaka Yeupenyu 
• Mercy Nyawasha in Bundu 

Outstanding Achievement in Editing for Television Production Award 

• Bundu 
• Nhaka Yeupenyu 
• Nhodo 
• Love and Reality 

Outstanding Directing for a Television Production Award 

• Nyaka Yeupenyu 
• Inkaba 
• Nhodo 
• Love and Reality 

Outstanding Writing for a Television Production Award 

• Village 4 
• Inkaba 
• Nhaka Yeupenyu 
• Nhodo 

Outstanding Television Presenter Award 

• Mazwi – Zim Uncovered 
• Joylene Fatima Ismail - The Design Show 
• Oslie Matsikinyeri - Diplomatic Couch 

Outstanding Documentary Award 

• From Huts To Pots (Tswarelo Mothobe) 
• Chasing Levels (Dumi Manyathela) 
• When Children Have Children (Tswarelo Mothobe) 

Outstanding International Feature Film Award 

• Mtaa Yangu (Kenya) 
• In The Arms of The Tree (Islamic Republic of Iran) 
• Offshoot (Nigeria) 

Outstanding International Documentary Film Award 

• Torn From the Tundra (Russian Federation) 
• Giants In Motion (Botswana) 
• Russian Marriage Quest (Russian Federation) 

Outstanding International Short Film Award 

• Baratani (The Hill of Lovers) (Botswana) 
• Thief (Kenya) 
• Where The River Divides (Kenya) 
• 1992 (Kenya) 

Outstanding International Animation Award 

• Death Valley (Kenya) 
• Loupetoo (Islamic Republic of Iran) 

Excellence in Indigenous Cultural Expression on Screen Award 

• Inkaba (John Mabuyane) 
• Nhaka Yeupenyu (Munashe Chitsiga) 
• Village 4 (Solomon Mandaza, Thulani Dube and Percy Soko) 

Outstanding Animated Film Award 

• The Sixth of May (Takudzwa Sibanda) 
• Muchero by Ryan Mukombo and William P. Best 
• Family Routine by Johanes Yeukai Machingauta 

Outstanding Feature Film Award 

• 4KUS (Billy Kabasa and Ngoni Alex Robbins) 
• Neria 21 (Vimbai Sinchuke) 
• Uncalculated Mistake (Fradreck Mandere) 
• Nyanga (Talent Chitauro) 

Outstanding Short Film Award 

• Empty Eyes by Leo Ericks Jakata 
• Myself by Kundai Mudyariwa and Maks Makawa 
• Highway Black by F.C. Stanley 
• Taxi by Jonathan Samkange 

Outstanding Actor in a Feature Film Award 

• Nesu Madakiwe in Neria 21 
• Ngonidzashe Chikowore in Uncalculated Mistake 
• Robert Chiyama in Kanukai 
• Marc T Mandisoul in November Rain 

Outstanding Actor in a Short Film Award 

• Munya Chidzonga in Taxi 
• Tinotenda Hudson Chibaya in Myself 
• Bex Ndlovu in Count to Three 
• Adler Mbofana in Dollar 

Outstanding Actress in a Film Award 

• Kundai Mabviko in 4KUS 
• Nyaradzo Nonnie Matanga in Uncalculated Mistake 
• Kudzai Chengedza in Neria 21 
• Cordelia Masalethulini in Neria 21 
• Auxillia Muchareveyi in Empty Eyes 
• Honorable Mention: Nyaradzo Nhongonhema in I See You.

Outstanding Screenwriting Award 

• Neria 21 
• Uncalculated Mistake (Ashley Rumbidzayi Rundofa) 
• 4KUS (Billy Kabasa) 
• Kanukai (Felix Mutasa) 

Best Achievement in Directing Award 

• Trust Sayi for Neria 21 
• Billy Kabasa for 4KUS 
• Louisa Chido Madzivanzira for Saunyama 
• Robert Mhuka for Uncalculated Mistake 

Best Achievement in Cinematography Award 

• Neria 21 (Siyabonga Sayi) 
• 4KUS 
• Nyanga (Andre Ndhlovu and Brandon Mushaninga) 
• Empty Eyes (Leo Ericks Jakata) 

Best Achievement in Production Design Award 

• Kanukai 
• Neria 21 
• 4KUS 
• Nyanga 

Best Achievement in Costume Design Award 

• Nyanga 
• 4KUS 
• Neria 21 
• Saunyama 

Best Achievement in Sound Design Award 

• Worker Bee 
• Neria 21 
• Uncalculated Mistake 
• Nyanga 

Best Achievement in Editing Award 

• Neria 21 
• 4KUS (Billy Kabasa) 
• November Rain (Allie Winters) 
• Nyanga (Andre Ndhlovu and Brandon Mushaninga) 

Best Achievement in Makeup & Hairstyling Award 

• 4KUS 
• Neria 21 
• Uncalculated Mistake 
• Saunyama 

Outstanding Podcasting Award 

• Haku Stream 
• In Conversation with Trevor 
• Ollah 7 Podcast 
• The Denny J Show 

Film and Television Reporting Excellence Award 

• Natasha Tariro Mutsiba 
• Anesu Lorraine Mirisawu 
• Kingstone Zimunya 
• Tendai Sauta 

HONORARY 

Lifetime Achievement Award 

• Dorothy Chidzawo 
• Charles Sekete 
• Joice Jenje Makwenda 
• Anthony Fortune Ruzugunde 

Outstanding Contributor Award 

• Alice Tagwira

Outstanding Cultural Ambassador 

• Danai Gurira 
• Chipo Chung 
• Arnold Tongai Chirisa 
• Chiedza Mhende