PIFF-Africa 2021 fest to empower filmmakers

SOMe social issues that affect the African continent will be uncovered through films at the inaugural festival organised virtually by local arts mother body National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in partnership with Piton International Film Festival (PIIF) from May 13 to 23.

At the PIFF-Africa 2021 festival, 23 African films from 11 countries will be screened.

NACZ Midlands provincial programmes co-ordinator Farai Kupfavira says there has been an overwhelming response from the continent to take part in the festival to promote African filmmakers.

“At the close of submissions on April 17, we had received 23 films from 11 African countries which include South Africa, Morocco, Uganda, Cameroon and two films from Zimbabwe were submitted,” she said.

Kupfavira said the themes and storylines for the submitted films included topical and hot issues that affect the African continent.

“The issues tackled in the films are wide and they include gender-based-violence and sexuality which are prevalent in many countries even outside the African continent”, she said.

PIFF founding president ed “Umoja” Herman said they would work with the filmmakers to monetise their content.

“From music videos to full feature projects, PIFF-Africa is proud to see the level of work that has come to us and we will use our global platform to assist the filmmakers in getting their brand to more locations,” he said.

“Because we are based on the collaborative spirit, we will be working with the filmmakers who are interested in monetising work after the festival. Much thanks to all the filmmakers who have submitted to PIFF-Africa 2021, we look forward to building a long working relationship with you.”

The festival is a 12-month initiative that focuses on celebrating filmmaking and seeks to work collaboratively with filmmakers who are based in Africa, providing a unique opportunity for filmmakers for education, collaboration, and celebration, instead of competition.