Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 183
- 97
Zimbabwean drama film Rise, written and directed by Jessica J. Rowlands, has emerged as the most awarded film at the 2026 Independent Shorts Awards after winning five honours, including Best Indie Short of the Year.
The film also earned awards across directing, acting and cinematography.
Rowlands was named Best First Time Female Director, while Zimbabwean actor Tongayi Chirisa won Best Supporting Actor. Sikhanyiso Ngwenya received the Best Young Actor award, while cinematographer Jacques Naudé won Best Cinematography.
Filmed in Zimbabwe and inspired by true events, Rise follows a young boy living on a rubbish dump who seeks help from a withdrawn boxing coach.
The boy initially approaches the coach to learn self-defence, but their relationship develops into an unexpected bond built around mentorship, trust and resilience.
The story was inspired by the experiences of Tobias Mupfuti, founder of the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy, which works with vulnerable children by providing boxing training, shelter, education and support.
Rise has previously reached other major milestones. It became the first Zimbabwean film selected for the Tribeca Festival and the first Zimbabwean film to qualify for Academy Award consideration.
Its five awards at the Independent Shorts Awards add to the film's growing international recognition and highlight the work of Zimbabwean filmmakers and actors on the global stage.
