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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
Organisers of the ongoing Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF) have described Bulawayo film Qiniso as a sub-standard production which could not make the cut at the festival.

The 17th edition of the festival which kicked off last week and ends tomorrow will feature 54 films which will be showing at 13 venues around Harare.

Although it made a buzz on social media, Qiniso failed to impress earlier this year during its premiere in Bulawayo.

ZIFF director Elton Mjanana said they were strict on the quality of productions they shortlisted for the film festival.

“Although some films have generated a lot of interest, that doesn’t mean we can compromise on quality. There were technical issues with Qiniso that we couldn’t overlook, that’s why it wasn’t chosen to be part of the programming this year,” said Mjanana.

He said out of the four films which were submitted from Bulawayo, three made it.

“Twelve films from Zimbabwe are being showcased with three motion pictures from Bulawayo – documentary Servant Leaders or Serve Leaders by Priscilla Sithole-Ncube, No Way Out by Francesca Sibanda and Journey Home by Vincent Ngwenya,” he said.

“I’m impressed by the local productions which are up to standard, showing that our film industry is growing. There’s a mixture of mature producers and novices who came up with documentaries, short films and feature films in line with our theme,” said Mjanana.

He said those who wanted to submit their productions for next year’s festival needed to produce their content with the international audience in mind.

“Film directors and producers hoping to be part of the festival next year must be able to tackle local contemporary issues which will easily be identifiable globally. We don’t compromise on quality of productions as the standard always has to be high so we don’t embarrass the nation through this international platform.

ZIFF is dedicated to the discovery and development of filmmakers, artistes, and audiences; and contributing to vibrant, socially and politically relevant, African story-telling through cinema.

It is distinguished as a major promoter of the film industry in Zimbabwe and the African continent, with a solid record in delivering strong film development programmes over the past 17 years.