Filamu Shorts: 2021

Our short film platform is a curated selection of films from Zimbabwe and across Africa. Every year a film industry professional is called upon to put together a captivating line up of short films that celebrates the diversity and similitude of African culture. The short films are screened in two Cities (Harare and Bulawayo), with one live screening per city. They go on to be viewed online in the month of November during the online festival, exclusively for Zimbabwean audiences ( geo-blocking).


2021 FILAMU SHORTS curated by Rumbi Katedza

A Guide to Dining Out in Nairobi (KENYA)
Directed by Hugh Mitton

A security guard in Kenya receives a $10 USD tip from his wealthy boss. Just how far can he make it go?


Al-Sit (SUDAN/QATAR)
Directed by Suzannah Mirghani

In a cotton-farming village in Sudan, 15-year-old Nafisa has a crush on Babiker, but her parents have arranged her marriage to Nadir, a young Sudanese businessman living abroad. Nafisa’s grandmother Al-Sit, the powerful village matriarch, has her own plans for Nafisa’s future. But can Nafisa choose for herself?


Day 44 (ZIMBABWE)
Directed by Mgcini Nyoni

A young woman spends days alone in her room during a pandemic, falling deeper into a loop of despair.


Five Tiger (SOUTH AFRICA)
Directed by Nomawonga Khumalo

Set in present day South Africa, Five Tiger, tells the story of Fiona, a god-fearing woman, who finds herself in a transactional relationship with the leader of her church as she tries to support her sick husband and daughter.


Imuhira (RWANDA)
Directed by Myriam Uwiragiye Birara

A young woman goes back to her native village fleeing from an abusive marriage and looking for emotional support. However, she will find herself facing the hostile attitude of her family and social norms ruling what a real woman should be.


Iitandu (NAMIBIA)
Directed by Lavinia Kapewasha

Set in post-apocalyptic Namibia, a young woman, who relinquished her traditional practices and past, desperately seeks to leave the southern area of Namibia to avoid a deadly virus, despite her current surroundings and the danger posed by others.


Mum, I Need Oil for My Car (SOUTH AFRICA/ZIMBABWE)
Directed by Naishe Nyamubaya

A farmer, a miner and an oil prospector, return home and besiege their mother for her valuable land. Unchecked, the children’s greedy appetites threaten to destroy their mother and her home.


NDF Survival Kit (NAMIBIA)
Directed by Taap The Guy

The soldiers of the Namibia Defense Force have been deployed in the streets of Namibia to help fight crime and catch criminals. According to award-winning Namibian comedian/filmmaker, Taap The Guy, it's not going so well as he explains what to do when coming face-to-face with a Namibian soldier.


Spiral Bound (ZAMBIA)
Directed by Augustine Lungu

A ferocious teenager is stuck in a spiral causing him to relive the same 5 minutes over and over. Convinced that one of his victims might have bewitched him, he attempts to make amends before the clock resets again.


Two Dead Government Officials (ZIMBABWE)
Directed by Charles Mawungwa

After signing a law that declares all forms of corruption, punishable by death; the Minister of National Security learns that her daughter has been arrested for the same crime. Two Dead Government officials explores the intricate relationship between corruption, justice and mercy and is based on the award winning play of the same title by Thandiwe Mawungwa.