Harare – Hosted by the European Union in partnership with EU Member States, the European Film Festival Zimbabwe will be returning for its 11th edition from 28 to 30 October 2026, bringing together European and Zimbabwean cinema for three days of screenings, cultural exchange and conversations about the future of filmmaking.
Under the theme "The Next Frame," this year’s festival combines European films, including stories from Romania, Ireland, Spain, Madagascar, Belgium and a selection of Zimbabwean short films. From an opening-night conversation with acclaimed Zimbabwean-British actress Chipo Chung to a screen acting and directing masterclass with Leroy Gopal, the programme offers something for film lovers, aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals alike.
The festival will also explore the business and craft of filmmaking through workshops and panel discussions, including a finance workshop in collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, a discussion on building a sustainable future for filmmaking, and a panel examining artificial intelligence in African cinema.
The programme culminates on Friday with the announcement of the BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition winners and a celebration of Zimbabwean filmmaking talent.
For Festival Director Rumbi Katedza, The Next Frame looks to the future of Zimbabwean cinema and the creative connections that can help shape it.
"This year’s theme invites us to imagine the future of film in Zimbabwe. I am honoured to lead the festival and build new relationships through film, including stronger creative connections with the European Union. There is so much we can learn from one another, and I hope the encounters we create here will open doors for the next generation of filmmakers to tell stories on their own terms and lay the foundations for lasting collaborations," she says.
What to Expect at #EuroFilmFestZW 2026 Program:
Wednesday, 28 October | National Gallery of Zimbabwe
The festival opens with an exhibition bringing together organisations from film, media, culture and education, creating opportunities to connect with filmmakers, students and industry professionals. The evening programme features a preview screening of Grounded, followed by a Q&A with Chipo Chung, before the Romanian feature film Nasty takes audiences into the world of tennis maverick Ilie Nastase.
Thursday, 29 October | ZIFTESSA and Zimbabwe German Society
Aspiring actors and filmmakers can take part in a full-day masterclass on acting and directing for the screen with Leroy Gopal, in association with Monzyice Creations. The evening moves to the Zimbabwe German Society for screenings of Four Mothers, a story of family, care and unexpected responsibilities, and Jokes and Cigarettes, a Spanish story about love, music and the rise of a stand-up comedy star.
Friday, 30 October | Alliance Française Harare
The festival’s final day brings filmmaking craft and industry conversations into focus. In collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, a Finance for Filmmakers workshop facilitated by Chartered Accountants Academy will offer practical insights for those working in the industry. Two panel discussions will explore The Missing Middle: A Sustainable Future in Filmmaking and AI and African Cinema: Tool, Threat or Turning Point?
This year the BIOSKOP! Short Film Competition received 80 entries across a range of genres and filmmaking approaches, the competition has shortlisted films across six award categories. The finalists reflect the range of stories and creative talent emerging from Zimbabwe, from narrative filmmaking and documentary to cinematography, sound and performance.
The winning films will be screened and the awards presented on Friday, 30 October, at Alliance Française Harare.
This year’s competition will be assessed by a jury bringing together experience from Zimbabwe and the international film sector: Mongolian film director and producer Nyamdulam Tsedevsuren, Zimbabwean actress, filmmaker and creative economy practitioner Tendaiishe Chitima, Harare-based Zimbabwean director and cinematographer Prosper Kunyetu.
Together, the jury brings a range of perspectives to the recognition of storytelling, performance and technical excellence in Zimbabwean short filmmaking.
The shortlisted films and nominees are:
Best Narrative
God Sleeps on Sundays — Naishe Nyamubaya
Chimu naRanga — Jonathan Samukange
Moza — Leo Ericks Jakata
Best Documentary
Zimbabwe on a Dish — Thembani Melusi Phakathi
Bold — Nicole Panashe
The Houses She Has Built — Clivet Chinake
The Waste Carpenter — Vincent Takudzwa Dzivarinyenga
Best Cinematography
Patient Zero — Jonathan Samukange
God Sleeps on Sundays — Naishe Nyamubaya
Chimu naRanga — Jonathan Samukange
Best Actor/Actress
Alex Muziyani as Tony in Moza
Leroy Siyafa as James in God Sleeps on Sundays
Gamuchirayi Mukwakwamu as Shamiso in Moza
Best Sound Editing
The Last Passenger — Director Imaniii None
RoundAbout — Tinashe Dorobeni
God Sleeps on Sundays — Naishe Nyamubaya
Most Promising Filmmaker Award sponsored by Monzyice Creations
The Waste Carpenter — Vincent Takudzwa Dzivarinyenga
The Houses She Has Built — Clivet Chinake
The European Film Festival Zimbabwe takes place from 28 to 30 October 2026 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, ZIFTESSA, Zimbabwe German Society and Alliance Française Harare. As usual the festival is FREE to attend but some events have limited spaces.