“I want to be a part of the generation of filmmakers who change the destiny of African, especially Zimbabwean, cinema. My goal is to preserve the history and culture of African tribes through documentary production,” said Sibanda from her base in London.
The young visionary is currently studying a Masters degree in filmmaking at the London Film School. She described film as a powerful medium that gave a voice to individuals and groups within communities.
“It is important for people to see themselves as reflected in film. My thrust is to use film as a platform for women in Zimbabwe to see themselves. It is important for women to have a platform to speak out, in their own voices, instead of being spoken for,” she said.
She added that, as a foreign-based artist, her desire was to create more visibility for black women in the film industry.
“I realised that black women, especially Zimbabweans, are not as readily available as other nationalities in this country. I would like to see more black women on the big screen. In my short films I have managed to cast a black woman in the lead role.”
Commenting on the Zimbabwean arts industry, Sibanda said censorship was hindering the progression of the arts because there was limited space to allow artists to be creative.
“I think censorship is killing the arts industry in Zimbabwe. If there was freedom of expression, then there would be growth and more interest in the arts. There is great potential for people to produce films and television programmes but I think there is a fear of telling the wrong story or saying something that can get one arrested,” she said.
Growing up, Sibanda said she was not sure how to make a living as a Film Director. However, she took the risk and decided to study Journalism and Media Studies focusing on Television Production.
“My heart was in arts production but I had no idea how to make a living from it. Fortunately my first degree opened up a new world that I had not thought of. I fell in love with the idea of being a storyteller on a bigger scale,” she said.
Sibanda said her goal was to transform the arts industry in Zimbabwe so that it could become a respectable profession.
She said the production of A Slice Above The Rest, a short film in 2007, marked the beginning of her career. She received international recognition after the film was featured at Cannes Film Festival that same year.
This year, Sibanda directed two short films, Thula and 6, and the films were shown at the Film Africa Festival in London 2012, as part of ‘Gems from the Diaspora’ programme.
Post published in: Arts