WHEN Angeline Dimingo first picked up a camera in high school to shoot a protest short film, she had no idea she was stepping onto a path that would shape her into one of Zimbabwe’s most dynamic creative forces.
What began as youthful activism has since evolved into a mission to tell stories that matter, mentor rising talent, and push for structural change in an industry she deeply loves yet refuses to romanticise.
NewsDay Life & Style (ND) had a chat with Dimingo (AD) and captured the following highlights.
ND: You’ve worn many hats, from cameraperson to assistant director, actress and screenwriter. What challenges and insights have these different roles given you about the Zimbabwean film ecosystem?
AD: Working in various roles has given me a deeper understanding of the Zimbabwean film industry’s challenges, such as limited resources and infrastructure.
It’s also shown me the importance of collaboration and adaptability in bringing stories to life.
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Though specialisation is ideal, our environment calls for versatility.
ND: Local productions often struggle with visibility and advertising. From your experience, what strategies do you believe Zimbabwean filmmakers can adopt to improve film marketing and audience engagement?
AD: Social media and online platforms can be powerful tools for promoting local films.
The challenge then lies in the fluctuating and inconsistency in the provision of affordable data packages and network.
Professional filmmakers are not necessarily socialites nor good on social media engagement, so maybe building partnerships with local businesses and organisations can also help increase visibility.
Maybe there may be need to partner with socialites or engaging socialites.
Additionally, engaging with audiences can foster a loyal fan base.
ND: Have you had any partnerships with brands or broadcasters that helped promote your work, and what was that experience like?
AD: Yes, I’ve had partnerships with the local broadcasters that have helped increase my work’s visibility.
These collaborations have been mutually beneficial, allowing me to reach wider audiences while providing the broadcaster with engaging content.
ND: Your short film Marrying the Devil was screened at international festivals and your screenplay Venom of a Bitter Woman earned recognition. How do awards and nominations affect your motivation and visibility in the industry?
AD: Awards and recognition have boosted my confidence and motivation, validating my work and opening doors to new opportunities.
It’s like they have become a catalyst, reigniting my passion for film every now and then.
They’ve also increased my visibility, both locally and internationally.
ND: You started a Young Filmmaker’s Club and mentored talent on sets. What’s your vision for developing sustainable creative spaces for young Zimbabwean filmmakers and actors?
AD: My vision begins with capacitation. We are talking of policies, standardisation and regularisation.
Zimbabwean film needs these things for it to develop into a full-blown industry where people create value for money and I mean real money, not for popularity.
ND: In your view, how important is it for film to reflect community voices and lived experiences, particularly from townships like Chitungwiza?
AD: It’s crucial for film to reflect community voices and experiences, as this authenticity resonates with audiences and promotes understanding.
Township stories, like those from Chitungwiza, offer rich, untold narratives that deserve to be shared.
I see Zimbabwean film expanding its reach through digital platforms and mobile cinema.
I would like to contribute by producing content that showcases Zimbabwean stories with an international appeal, collaborating with emerging filmmakers, and exploring new distribution channels.
ND: If you had the power to change three things about the Zimbabwean creative industry overnight, what would you change and why?
AD: I would create a sustainable capacity development fund for local creatives, establish more mentorship programmes, and improve distribution networks.
These changes would support creatives, foster growth, and promote Zimbabwean narratives and cultural heritage.