https://culturecustodian.com/zimbabwean-filmmaker-tapiwa-chipfupa-wants-to-solve-structural-hurdles-through-avel/

Ambidextrous Pictures, Harare (2026)

13/07/2026

Ambidextrous Pictures is looking for 45 women with a story to tell!

Ambidextrous Pictures has launched the call for the inaugural programme for its initiative GIRLS MAKING FILMS. A 2-day Masterclass event for women creatives looking to develop their idea into a story. It is an opportunity to work on their story, learn, exchange and network.

REGISTRATION CRITERIA

• Registration is free and open to women aged 18 and above.

• The Masterclasses will take place from Thursday 23rd to Friday 24th July 2026 from 08:00-17:00 at Alliance Française, Harare. Lunch and tea/coffee will be provided.

• Attendance in person on BOTH days is mandatory for all participants.

• Cohort size is strictly limited to 45 participants.

• Register by sending an email to:
[email protected] including a one-paragraph motivation stating why you would like to attend.

For any queries contact:

[email protected] or contact: +263 77 887 6599

Registration closes on Monday 21 July 2026 @ 23:59

Ambidextrous Pictures would like to express its deepest gratitude to the Embassy of France in Zimbabwe and Alliance Française who with their support have made this inaugural event possible. It has enabled Girls Making Films to launch its mission to elevate female voices by facilitating for them to find their space within the film and arts sector. Their support empowers women creatives in the arts sector, strengthens the local film ecosystem and ultimately the development a continental film economy.

13/07/2026

Ambidextrous Pictures has launched the call to registration for its inaugural programme of the initiative GIRLS MAKING FILMS.

Created by Ambidextrous Pictures to develop, nurture, amplify and invest in the creative capacity and professional growth of young girls and women in the arts sector, GIRLS MAKING FILMS’ mission is to help women shift from passive participants to active decision-makers shaping contemporary African and global narratives in the areas of cinema and art.

For its inaugural programme, GIRLS MAKING FILMS will be hosting a 2-day masterclass event for aspiring, entry level, emerging or established women filmmakers or those who have an interest developing their skills in filmmaking.

Ambidextrous Pictures would like to express its deepest gratitude to the Embassy of France in Zimbabwe and Alliance Francaise who with their support have made this inaugural event possible. It has enabled Girls Making Films to launch its mission to elevate female voices by facilitating for them to find their space within the film and arts sector. Their support empowers women creatives in the arts sector, strengthens the local film ecosystem and ultimately the development of the continental film economy.

Stay tuned for more details!

13/07/2026

Ambidextrous Pictures has launched the call to registration for its inaugural programme of the initiative GIRLS MAKING FILMS.

Created by Ambidextrous Pictures to develop, nurture, amplify and invest in the creative capacity and professional growth of young girls and women in the arts sector, GIRLS MAKING FILMS’ mission is to help women shift from passive participants to active decision-makers shaping contemporary African and global narratives in the areas of cinema and art.

For its inaugural programme, GIRLS MAKING FILMS will be hosting a 2-day masterclass event for aspiring, entry level, emerging or established women filmmakers or those who have an interest developing their skills in filmmaking.

Ambidextrous Pictures would like to express its deepest gratitude to the Embassy of France in Zimbabwe and Alliance Francaise who with their support have made this inaugural event possible. It has enabled Girls Making Films to launch its mission to elevate female voices by facilitating for them to find their space within the film and arts sector. Their support empowers women creatives in the arts sector, strengthens the local film ecosystem and ultimately the development of the continental film economy.

Stay tuned for more details!

08/07/2026

Ambidextrous Pictures is pleased to introduce the 3 participants selected for the inaugural edition of AVEL PRODUCERS MENTORSHIP taking place over the course of 2026 and ending early 2027.

AVEL is a personal and professional development initiative that empowers local producers with tools to navigate their environment with the long-term objective of growing the local film industry and continental film economy.

This year we welcome:

Left:

Zimbabwean filmmaker, producer and story developer RUTENDO S. MAHOFA – MANGWIZA with over seven years of experience across film, television, and digital storytelling. Working across scripted and unscripted formats, her practice focuses on producing, impact storytelling, and coordinating local, regional, and international productions.

Middle:

Zimbabwean author, storyteller, and emerging producer TAONESESA TIWANNA KARIDZA who is working in business development within the legal sector. Her work sits at the intersection of storytelling, social impact and the creative economy with a strong focus on empowering young people and communities through their talent, voices and lived experiences.

In line with the mission of AVEL to foster cross continental collaborations and the development of the continental ecosystem, the programme is pleased to introduce:

Right:

Sudanese theatre practitioner, arts researcher and development producer based in the UAE, WAAD FAIZ. Her practice spans theatrical ex*****on, dramaturgy, independent film development and cross-cultural collaboration-shaped by five years of experience across Sudan, the UAE, the United States, and Norway. Grounded in systems thinking, Waad integrates artistic vision, research, academic knowledge in business and theatre, and operational management to build culturally impactful and sustainable projects.

Ambidextrous Pictures expresses its sincerest gratitude to the Berlinale Talents Mastercard Enablement Programme and the Zimbabwe German Society/Goethe Institut for making this crucial platform to nurture emerging talent possible. Their support is contributing to the growth of the local film ecosystem and ultimately the development of a continental film economy.

03/07/2026

AVEL PRODUCERS LAB
INTENSIVE INCUBATOR - DAY 7

We wrapped up the week with game-changing insights from three industry powerhouses! Here is a look inside our final sessions:

We had the honour of hosting ALEMBERG ANG, a renowned award winning Filipino film producer and the founder of Daluyong Studios. His production work focuses heavily on socio-civic issues, human rights, and giving a voice to cultural minorities in cinema. He frequently serves as an international film festival jury member and pitch mentor, helping bridge Southeast Asian cinema with global markets. Alemberg mapped out the realities of international co-productions, sharing how to bring socio-civic and minority-voice cinema to the world stage.

Our next session was with prominent Romanian film producer and partner at microFILM România CARLA FOTEA. Working with both acclaimed directors and newcomers, Carla has quickly emerged as a significant figure in contemporary European arthouse cinema. Carla delivered a powerful and honest session on developing a series, inspiring our producers with real-world strategies.

We then had the immense privilege of having Head of Berlinale’s World Cinema Fund and EFM Toolbox programme, SATA CISSOKHO as the final expert for this first session. Sata has served on numerous film commissions, selection committees and juries. She has been a mentor, industry expert and workshop leader for many internationally renowned initiatives. With a career spanning over a decade specialising in international sales, talent scounting and championing diverse films from underrepresented voices, Sata skillfully unpacked the basics of sales and distribution in an eye opening session.

Our producers closed the week with their final project feedback. With this first session complete, the producers are now in a 3-month development phase to refine their dossiers. This prepares them for the first of four quarterly intensives coming up later this year!

03/07/2026

AVEL PRODUCERS LAB
INTENSIVE INCUBATOR - DAY 6

Day 6 saw our cohort of producers immersed in intensive sessions designed to strengthen their development and production skills through masterclasses led by two internationally acclaimed film industry leaders.

Our cohort had the privilege of spending the greater part of the day with award-winning German film producer, expert, consultant and media entrepreneur ROSHANAK BEHEST NEJAD. Renowned for her work in international co-productions, arthouse feature films, documentaries, and educational media, Roshanak’s productions have garnered more than 30 international awards, including the German Film Award in Gold, the Golden Leopard, and the Prix Europa Iris. A member of the German Film Academy and European Film Academy, her engaging half-day masterclass on developing a compelling project dossier went far beyond the fundamentals, exploring the importance of defining one’s voice as a producer, selecting the right projects and identifying the most strategic platforms to support a project’s journey.

The producers then had the honour of learning from award-winning Dutch producer and founder of Amsterdam-based independent production company PRPL, ELLEN HAVENITH. Widely recognized for championing bold, auteur-driven films and international co-productions, Ellen’s work is distinguished by its heartfelt, distinctive and socially relevant storytelling. Her projects have earned global recognition, premiering at leading festivals including Cannes, Sundance, Berlin, Toronto, Rotterdam, Locarno and Tribeca, as well as receiving an Academy Award nomination. In a dynamic masterclass, she unpacked the creative and practical realities of short-film production, offering invaluable insights into developing impactful work within the short-form space.

Inspired and energized by the day’s sessions, the producers concluded with an intensive peer-feedback workshop, pitching, interrogating and strengthening their upcoming projects through collaborative critique and discussion.

01/07/2026

AVEL PRODUCERS LAB
INTENSIVE INCUBATOR - DAY 5

Day 5 focused on festival strategies, international co-productions, and defining our core values as producers.

We had the honour of welcoming multi-award winning South African director, writer, producer, and story consultant SIHLE HLOPE for our first session. Sihle is highly recognized for championing cultural preservation and linguistic equity. Drawing from over 16 years of experience, she delivered an enlightening session unpacking the realities of the film festival circuit, guiding the participants through the film festival submission process while challenging them to think beyond traditional pathways and to consider alternative distribution opportunities.

It was an absolute privilege to host MARTINA BLEIS, project curator and Head of the Berlinale Co-Production Market. As a founding member of the Co-Production Market since its launch in 2003 and a designated member of the European Film Academy, Martina also serves as a pitching mentor and curatorial advisor for several international training programs. Her eye-opening session explored what makes a project suitable for co-production, the decision-making processes around co-productions and building the right strategic partnerships.

Next, TAPIWA CHIPFUPA - CEO/Head of Programmes of Ambidextrous Pictures, producer, filmmaker, and social entrepreneur - shared her expertise. Known for creating thought-provoking, socially conscious, and character - driven narratives, Tapiwa spoke in her capacity as the programme leader. As an alumna of prominent international cinema ecosystems - including EAVE, EURODOC, ACE Producers Mentorship programme, Producer’s Network - Cannes, Sundance, HotDocs, and Durban FilmMart; Tapiwa emphasised the vital connection between a producer’s purpose, the projects they champion and the impact they seek to create as both filmmakers and leaders.

The day concluded with a reminder that creativity remains at the heart of producing with a lively, laughter - filled painting session.

25/06/2026

AVEL PRODUCERS LAB
INTENSIVE INCUBATOR - DAY 4

Day 4's sessions focused on navigating the international film marketplace and exploring the art of documentary storytelling.

We were honoured to welcome prominent South African arts administrator and Project Manager at the Durban FilmMart Institute, Faiza Williams, alongside renowned South African arts administrator, digital skills strategist, creative producer, and Project Manager at the Durban FilmMart Institute, Menzi Mhlongo. Through insightful discussions on the Durban FilmMart Institute’s programmes, both unpacked what it takes to navigate the global film market, position projects strategically, and become market ready as filmmakers and creatives.

Building on these insights, participants then engaged in a dynamic peer- to- peer session, critically examining one another’s project concepts, challenging assumptions, and further refining their ideas to strengthen the creative and commercial potential of their films.

The day concluded with an inspiring masterclass led by acclaimed television and film producer, director, writer and arts festival curator Tiny Mungwe. An advocate for authentic African storytelling and industry mentorship, Tiny drew from her extensive experience andwork producing mutiple documentary films across Africa, delivering a captivating session on transforming real-life stories into compelling cinematic experiences.

Day 4 was a powerful reminder that impactful filmmaking requires both creative excellence and strategic thinking. Participants left with strengthened projects, fresh perspectives on the international marketplace, and a deeper appreciation for the craft of documentary storytelling ready to take their stories beyond borders and onto global screens.

24/06/2026

AVEL PRODUCERS LAB
INTENSIVE INCUBATOR - DAY 3

Day 3 of AVEL Producers Lab Intensive Incubator bridged technical ex*****on with creative strategy; unpacking independent feature film making, realistic budgeting and the world of animation followed by the screening of the Oscar contender “The Heart Is A Muscle”.

Three acclaimed producers shared their expertise offering practical frameworks for navigating local and international film markets. It was an absolute privilege to welcome such an accomplished trio of female leaders into our space!

Award winning South African film producer and founder of boutique production house Miss K Productions, KHOSIE DALI provided an honest, unfiltered look into independent feature filmmaking, reflecting on over a decade of experience producing short films, features, and commercials.

A key architect of globally minded and socially grounded cinema, SARIKA HEMI LAKHANI, is an award winning German - Kenyan producer whose work has consistently bridged European resources with East African storytelling. Her deeply insightful session offered a critical perspective on structuring viable realistic budgets for productions.

With experience spanning 27 years, award winning South African animation producer, creative strategist and a prominent advocate for the African film industry VANESSA SINDEN, delivered an inspiring masterclass on the foundations of producing animation.

The intensive day concluded with a special screening of Imran Hamdulay’s humanist drama “The Heart Is A Muscle”(2025) Produced by Adam Thal, Khosie Dali, Brett Michael Innes and Lesley-Ann Brandt, the film premiered in the Panorama section of the Berlin International Film Festival (2025) and was South Africa’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.

It was a day of new insights and a shift in perspectives for the producers.

24/06/2026

AVEL PRODUCERS LAB
INTENSIVE INCUBATOR - DAY 3

Day 3 of AVEL Producers Lab Intensive Incubator bridged technical ex*****on with creative strategy; unpacking independent feature film making, realistic budgeting and the world of animation followed by the screening of the Oscar contender “The Heart Is A Muscle”.

Three acclaimed producers shared their expertise offering practical frameworks for navigating local and international film markets. It was an absolute privilege to welcome such an accomplished trio of female leaders into our space!

Award winning South African film producer and founder of boutique production house Miss K Productions, KHOSIE DALI provided an honest, unfiltered look into independent feature filmmaking, reflecting on over a decade of experience producing short films, features, and commercials.

A key architect of globally minded and socially grounded cinema, SARIKA HEMI LAKHANI, is an award winning German - Kenyan producer whose work has consistently bridged European resources with East African storytelling. Her deeply insightful session offered a critical perspective on structuring viable realistic budgets for productions.

With experience spanning 27 years, award winning South African animation producer, creative strategist and a prominent advocate for the African film industry VANESSA SINDEN, delivered an inspiring masterclass on the foundations of producing animation.

The intensive day concluded with a special screening of Imran Hamdulay’s humanist drama “The Heart Is A Muscle”(2025) Produced by Adam Thal, Khosie Dali, Brett Michael Innes and Lesley-Ann Brandt, the film premiered in the Panorama section of the Berlin International Film Festival (2025) and was South Africa’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.

It was a day of new insights and a shift in perspectives for the producers.

Ambidextrous Pictures

13/07/2026

13/07/2026

13/07/2026

08/07/2026

03/07/2026

03/07/2026

01/07/2026

25/06/2026

24/06/2026

24/06/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category