DREAM Hous Pictures Academy, a Harare-based film institution renowned for its hands-on project-driven approach to filmmaking education, is set to host its ninth graduation ceremony on January 31.
The milestone event, set for Ster Kinekor Cinema, Joina City, celebrates a new generation of Zimbabwean filmmakers ready to take their place on both local and international screens.
Twelve students will graduate after completing an intensive four-month professional training programme covering Cinematography, Script writing, Directing, Producing and Film Acting.
As the climax of their studies, the graduates will premiere eight original short films, all collaboratively produced as part of their course requirement, reflecting teamwork, creativity and industry-level discipline.
Among the standout productions is Nowhere Girl, the eighth film, which was facilitated by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe at Dream Hous Pictures Academy.
Directed by Jonathan Samkange, popularly known as Dyrekta O, the film is a gripping drama inspired by real-life events and anchored on emotional authenticity.
Keep Reading
Nowhere Girl follows the haunting journey of Ishe, an 11-year-old girl who flees into the night after a devastating car accident leaves her mother presumed dead.
Overwhelmed by fear and guilt, Ishe falls into the clutches of Gogo, a manipulative woman, who forces her into a life of begging on the unforgiving city streets.
Unbeknown to Ishe, her mother Chennai survives the accident.
Coming to after a six-month coma, wounded yet resolute, Chennai embarks on a relentless search for her child.
Her journey through the city’s underbelly leads to a heartbreaking encounter with Ishe, now trapped under Gogo’s cruel grip.
In a tense and emotionally-charged climax, mother and daughter fight against time, danger and despair for a second chance at life and family.
Beyond its cinematic value, the graduation underscores the critical role of film in youth empowerment and national economic development.
Film equips young people with storytelling, technical and entrepreneurial skills, fostering self-expression while creating employment across production, distribution and creative industries.
As Zimbabwe’s creative economy grows, film remains a powerful vehicle for cultural identity, social dialogue and economic resilience.
Samkange noted that the multi-award-winning Dream Hous Pictures Academy has produced nearly 200 graduates, many of whom command respect within the Zimbabwean film industry and beyond.
“I invite parents, friends and film lovers to join us for our ninth graduation ceremony on January 31 at Ster Kinekor Cinema, Joina City,” Samkange said.
“Come and experience eight powerful films shaped by our Hollywood Film Academy philosophy, where passion meets precision.”
In flattering gratitude, Dream Hous Pictures Academy acknowledges the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, whose unwavering support continues to nurture creativity, amplify young voices and sustain the heartbeat of Zimbabwean cinema.
Their commitment remains a luminous force behind stories that matter.
Samkange recited several Hollywood Film Academy quotes and among them:
“Film is where imagination finds discipline and dreams learn to work;”
“Every great filmmaker begins by daring to tell one true story;”
“Cinema is not just entertainment — it is memory, identity and economy;” and,
“Teach a young person film and you give them a voice the world can hear,” just to share his understanding.