HARARE — The Bokola Film Festival is set to return on August 23, 2025, at Studio Moto, bringing with it a powerful new vision under the theme “Dream. Now!” More than just a cinematic celebration, this year’s edition positions itself as a creative uprising—a platform where storytelling meets resistance in the face of global crises, from climate collapse to war and authoritarianism.

Running from 12 noon to 10 pm, Bokola 2025 invites filmmakers, activists, and audiences into a multi-sensory space of imagination and urgency. “We’re so excited to bring Bokola 2025 to Studio Moto; a vibrant, immersive space where creativity and community meet,” said Festival Co-Director Sikhanyiswe Sebata. “We invite everyone to experience powerful films, meaningful conversations, and a fresh energy that reflects the spirit of Bokola.”

This year’s programming boldly redefines the festival experience. At its heart are three curated documentary strands designed to confront, challenge, and inspire. Stories From The Emergency features works addressing surveillance, authoritarianism, and environmental collapse. Dreamers puts a spotlight on daring young African storytellers who are unafraid to tell their truths with fire and originality.

Frontlines of Change amplifies indigenous voices and activist cinema from across the globe—films that are as poetic as they are political.

Yet Bokola 2025 is not limited to the screen. Audiences will also be able to explore Radical Future, an immersive zone featuring virtual and augmented reality experiences, as well as interactive installations that stretch the boundaries of what storytelling can be. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere will be a kids’ play zone, behind-the-scenes digital showcases, food and drink stalls, chillout lounges, and unexpected live musical performances.

Dexter Fundire, fellow Co-Director, emphasizes the human-centred pivot of the festival. “This year, Bokola has been rebranded. We’re focusing on you—the people. Your films, your dreams, your experiences,” he said. It’s a message echoed in the festival’s open call for submissions, which welcomes stories across a wide spectrum of formats—from traditional documentaries to Afrofuturist shorts, social media films, podcasts, and experimental media.

Now firmly established as a launchpad for young African filmmakers, Bokola’s impact extends beyond the festival weekend. Since 2020, its flagship mentorship program, The Film Fellowship ZW, co-run with Accountability Lab Zimbabwe and Magamba Network, has nurtured 45 emerging filmmakers and produced 43 original works. The ripple effects of this investment are clear: Bokola alumni like Jabulani Muzvova and Sikhanyiswe Sebata are now being celebrated at international festivals across Africa, Europe, and Oceania.

Bokola 2025 reaffirms its mission: to be a space of radical imagination and community—where art becomes action and stories become catalysts for change. With submissions now open, the festival invites creatives everywhere to join this year’s urgent call: Submit. Resist. Dream. Now.

For submission details visit: https://filmfreeway.com/BokolaFilmFestival

Bokola is brought to you by Magamba Network, Africa’s leading creative and digital media organisation.