The Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs) is the premier event that recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of actors, directors, producers, writers, presenters, technicians, and other industry players, connecting them to global audiences.

The ZAFTAs are held in Harare, Zimbabwe late November or early December each year.

Awards & Prizes

All ZAFTA winners will be presented with the ZAFTAs Trophy and the Certificate of Achievement. The ZAFTAs Trophy is a symbol of national pride, hard work and success and it reflects the dreams and ambitions of the Zimbabwean cultural and creative industry.

Classification of Films
Submissions will be classified into the following genres:
1. Feature Films: Film works with a length of 60 minutes and above based on imagination and not necessarily fact.
2. Short Films: Film works with a running time of 59 minutes or less, including the credits, and based on imagination and not necessarily fact.
3. Documentary: Film works of between 5 min - 60mins that are based on factual events or facts about a person(s) or place(s).
4. Animation: This genre will house all film works consisting of a series of drawing, puppets; both computer and non-computer generated, to give the illusion of movement when projected in rapid sequence. (From 2 min+.)
5. Television Productions: A television drama/series is a show presented in a dramatic way and explores a range of genres, from comedy, soap opera, science-fiction to costume drama, and usually engages with issues of the day in an accessible fashion that an audience can connect with. (Duration of 22 mins to 60 mins)

Rules & Terms

Eligibility
1) All entries must be the work of Zimbabwean citizens or permanent residents.
2) Participation in the ZAFTA 2023 awards implies acceptance of the rules and regulations.
3) Eligible film productions must have been completed and publicly released on television, online or in cinemas between January, 2022 and September 10, 2024.
4) Eligible television productions must have been completed and publicly released on television or online between September 2023 and September 2024.
5) The film(s) submitted in the Excellence in Indigenous Cultural Expression category should have English subtitles.
6) Student film entries must be created by individuals currently enrolled in a recognized Zimbabwean film/media training institution.

Submission Requirements
1) Entry is FREE.
2) Submit all entries through the FilmFreeway (https://filmfreeway.com/thezaftas)
3) Submit high-quality video file of the entry.
4) Upload supporting documentation such as cast/crew list, production stills, and synopses on the FilmFreeway.
5) Cue sheets to be included with each submission for consideration under the original music category.
6) Entries submitted under writing categories must submit the film and its screenplay. For television, submit 2 episodes and their screenplays.
7) Submit 2 x full episodes for television categories.
8) All television or online productions must be longer than of 24 minutes and not more than 60 minutes

General Rules
1) Each entry may only be submitted in more than one awards category.
2) Entries must not have been previously submitted to the ZAFTAs.
3) Films that were previously submitted to other Awards are acceptable for submission.
4) The ZAFTAs organizing committee reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the eligibility criteria or submission requirements.
5) All decisions made by the ZAFTAs jury are final and not subject to appeal.
6) We only accept multiplexed files (i.e., with audio, video, and subtitles in a single file). Your film file should not exceed 4GB.
7) Trailers as a substitute for your film and work-in-progress shall not be accepted at the Awards.
8) Return of Materials; any material submitted will not be returned.
9) Entrants agree to allow 15 seconds clips of their work to be used for promotional purposes.
10) If you do not own the rights for the production, a letter of permission is required.

Deadline for Submissions
• All entries must be received by the ZAFTAs office no later than 10 September 2024.
• Late submissions will not be accepted.
For any inquiries or additional information, please contact the ZAFTAs team at +263719127936 or email info@zaftas.org

3 Reviews
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  • Billy Kabasa

    Looking forward to the 2025 ZAFTAs

    February 2025
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  • Davies Zihanzu

    My first time to participate in such an event, and it was exceptional, I see big things coming. Big up to the organizers.

    December 2024
    Helpful
  • Tafadzwa Ranganai

    This was the first edition and actually the first film and television industry awards ever in Zimbabwe so I was super excited to be there and I enjoyed the night (winning an award might have also contributed). There's still room for improvement but I trust that the team behind the award show will only get better and better!

    December 2023
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