Staff Reporter

President Mnangagwa has today officially launched the 2021 Varsity Film Expo in Bulawayo where he emphasised the socio-economic importance of the film industry, revealing that his Government will continue to assist upcoming artists in various fields.

Officially launching the programme, the President urged the citizens to promote the country`s rich culture and heritage.

“The-economic importance of the film, arts and the creative industries cannot be over-emphasised. At a continental level, the sector has the potential to create over 20 million jobs and contribute US$20 billion to Africa`s Gross Domestic Product. In this regard, the support for young filmmakers to set up film studios, production and distribution companies are being heightened as a priority area.

“As recently pronounced in the 2022 National budget, my Government will continue to resource the Arts and Culture Development Fund, to support the emerging young talented filmmakers and other artists across the Creative Cultural Industries,” said the President.

He urged that the country`s development epoch, film and movies be deployed to motivate the people to be more, and to do more, through increased production and productivity, adding that the industry must further help to convey the true story of the country by projecting a positive national image.

President Mnangagwa highlighted that the Varsity Film Expo must be a critical cog in the on-going nation building and branding exercise. “It must stimulate the creation and distribution of “proudly Zimbabwean” film and broadcast content, while enhancing the country`s present diplomatic focus of being “a friend to all and an enemy to none.”

The President castigated some people in the film and broadcasting space who choose to use their talents and skills to denigrate their country, its leadership and African value systems at the behest and for payment by foreign detractors. He called upon the young artists to ensure that their work is deeply rooted in patriotism so that the sector becomes a key pillar in advancing the same, to the ordinary populace.

The Varsity Film Expo is being held under the theme ‘Vivid, amplifying sustainable development goals using film and digital media.’