Development of Feature Films in Zimbabwe: Impact of Western Donors

Zimbabwe received its Independence in 1980 and since then, 19 donor funded feature films were produced with less than 10 independent ones. This, first of its kind research focused on films produced 1980 and 2004. The author of this research explores the effects of donor funding to the development of a sustainable feature film industry in Zimbabwe. She also explores issues involved in the production of feature films, such as the themes explored in the donor funded feature films that are deemed to be in the public interest and not so much for entertainment, but more of ¿edutainment¿. At the time of the research there were no full-time filmmakers in Zimbabwe and so there was no true industry, just individuals who got opportunities to work on a film project and then disappeared from the silver screen. Tarindwa questions and explores the possibility of Zimbabwe truly have a vibrant and real feature film industry which can be competitive and entertaining to Africa and the world.