The festival is the location for the world premiere of a groundbreaking film, Lovers in Time - or how we didn't get arrested in Harare, by Bedfordshire’s Reader in Film Practice and Theory, Dr Agnieszka Piotrowska.

The film, about a controversial interracial relationship, was previewed in the UK earlier this year and subsequently praised by Thomas Elsaesser, a noted international film historian and professor.

“Lovers in Time modulates its moods quite masterfully between humour and tragedy, real danger and farce,” he commented.

“It finally leaves the viewer more pensive and thoughtful, but also more positive and hopeful than had the director opted for a racially less entangled and a politically more correct [film].”

Dr Piotrowska will be showing two further short films, Forbidden Love and The Suitcase, which will form the basis of her workshops focusing on creative collaborations across cultures.

The Executive Director of the Festival, Nigel Munyati, said of Dr Piotrowska’s work in Harare:

“We are delighted to have an opportunity to be premiering this fascinating documentary at the festival this year. We believe it is an incredibly optimistic piece of work, showing how collaborative practices are possible and can be very successful. We are also very happy to be having Dr Piotrowska holding a variety of workshops at the festival.”

The University of Bedfordshire, which is the only British higher education institution in partnership with the Festival, is also funding a prize for the best short screenplay written by a female Zimbabwean artist at the Festival.

The $500 award – funded by the Media Department at Bedfordshire and open to any Zimbabwean woman who has not yet made a feature film – is designed to encourage female participation in the industry.

Dr Piotrowska, Course Leader for MA Creative Digital Film Production, will be on the panel of judges alongside industry professionals Rumbi Katedza, Elton Mjanana and Joe Njagu, as well as female activist Isabella Matambanadzo.

Dr Piotrowska said: “I am hoping we can encourage creative female voices in Zimbabwe with the help of leading female artists.

“It is such a privilege to be here. People in this country are simply fantastic, creative and talented.”

The winner will be announced 9th October during ZIFF’s Short Film Project Launch and Awards Night.

Notes to editors

Lovers in Time is an experimental documentary funded by an arts grant from the University of Bedfordshire, The Zimbabwean Theatre Association and the European Union Local Fund Trust in Zimbabwe.