INTRODUCTION
The Zimbabwe International Film & Festival Trust (ZIFFT) is proud to announce the launch of the Smartphone Short Film Competition 2023 (SSFC23). This competition is open to all young Zimbabweans from 16 to 34 years of age who are passionate about filmmaking and storytelling.
THEME
The theme for the SSFC23 is “Aspiration5.” This theme is inspired by Aspiration 5 of AGENDA 2063: The Africa We Want. ASPIRATION 5 calls for an Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values, and ethics. We encourage you to use this theme as inspiration.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives of the SSFC23 are to:
- Inspire young Zimbabweans to tell their own stories
- Influence social transformation in communities
- Promote filmmaking as a profession
- Encourage the use of film as a tool for highlighting, informing, and articulating essential topical issues
- Give the Youth the knowledge of how to tell their stories in film
- Create a library of films that reflect positive visions of Zimbabwe’s Youth
- Distribute this newfound knowledge through film screenings on TV, social media, and at festivals
Shortlisted films will be screened on ZTN Prime in the Zimbabwe Territory
The top 3 films will be put on PlayAfrikaTV Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD) Platform
PRIZES
- The winner of the SSFC23 will receive a cash prize of US$500
- The first runner-up will receive a cash prize of US$300
- The second runner-up will receive a cash prize of US$200
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
- Eligible Devices: All films must be shot on a smartphone.
- Sound: No Music Videos, emphasis should be narrative and well-told stories with strong characters to make it a compelling visual work of art.
- Film Length: Films must not exceed 5 minutes in length.
- Submission Deadline: All films must be submitted by 25 December 2023.
- Nationality: The competition is open only to Zimbabwean nationals.
You will need to create an account and then upload your film.
JUDGING CRITERIA
All films will be judged on the following criteria:
- Creativity
- Storytelling
- Technical proficiency
- Relevance to the theme
IMPORTANT DATES
Deadline for submissions:25 December 2023
Announcement of finalists: 31 January 2024
We encourage all young Zimbabweans with a passion for filmmaking to enter the SSFC23. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your talent and make your voice heard.
For more information, please visit our website or contact us at ssfc@zifft.co.zw
We look forward to receiving your submissions!
