ZIMBABWE’S premier women-centred film festival, the International Images Film Festival for Women (IIFF), returns from August 28 to 30 with an expanded programme designed to celebrate women’s stories, strengthen the local film industry and foster meaningful dialogue through cinema.
Organised by Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa (ICAPA Trust), the annual festival will bring together filmmakers, students, industry professionals and audiences under the theme, Women in Focus.
The festival will showcase feature films, documentaries and short films from Zimbabwe, Africa and across the globe, highlighting women as active agents of change.
Acting festival director Molleen Chisveto said the festival remained committed to creating a platform that challenged stereotypes, promoted gender equality and inspired conversations around women’s resilience, leadership and economic empowerment.
“IIFF is both an entertaining and transformative space where filmmakers, audiences and industry stakeholders engage with stories that inspire dialogue and broaden perspectives,” Chisveto said.
Founded in 2002 by acclaimed Zimbabwean filmmaker and author Tsitsi Dangarembga, IIFF has grown into one of Africa’s leading platforms dedicated to women-centred cinema.
The festival continues to champion inclusive storytelling while providing opportunities for professional growth within the film sector.
This year’s programme will place greater emphasis on audience participation and industry engagement through masterclasses, filmmaker conversations, networking sessions, question-and-answer fora and post-screening discussions.
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Organisers said those activities were designed to strengthen skills development and create valuable connections for emerging filmmakers.
Supporting local talent remains a key priority for the festival.
Zimbabwean productions will be showcased alongside international works, giving local creatives greater visibility and access to wider industry networks.
“Our goal is to contribute to the growth of Zimbabwe’s film sector by creating opportunities, encouraging investment in the creative industries and demonstrating the power of film as a tool for advocacy and social transformation,” Chisveto said.
She added that IIFF’s strength lied in balancing international excellence with local and African storytelling, allowing Zimbabwean filmmakers to engage with global trends while giving audiences exposure to diverse perspectives.
Like many cultural events, organising a film festival presents challenges, including funding constraints, technical requirements and audience development.
However, Chisveto said ICAPA Trust continued to leverage long-standing partnerships and innovative programming to deliver a meaningful festival experience.
The festival’s success also depends heavily on collaboration with cultural institutions, diplomatic missions, media organisations and private-sector partners that support the advancement of women in film.
Importantly, attendance at the festival will be free of charge. While organisers have confirmed that the dates, final venue details and the full programme schedule are expected to be announced closer to the festival dates.
Looking beyond this year’s edition, organisers envision IIFF becoming an even stronger international platform for women’s storytelling, expanding collaborations, reaching new audiences and creating more opportunities for women filmmakers across Africa and beyond.
Film lovers, students, aspiring filmmakers, industry professionals and members of the public are encouraged to attend the International Images Film Festival for Women and experience three days of compelling storytelling, thought-provoking discussions, professional development opportunities and cultural exchange.
The festival offers a unique opportunity to engage with filmmakers, discover powerful local and international productions and celebrate the transformative role of women in cinema.
