The Zimbabwe International Film Festival opens Friday with entries from about 15 countries among them the legendary Skumdog Millionaire.

Admire Maramba of the Estate Blues fame is bringing his debut feature film titled Deep Ocean while the much publicised feature film, Dirty Groove by Marc Mandisoul, will finally see the light of day at this year's ZIFF.

The Distance Between done by Nigerian-based Memory Savanhu will be another movie to look forward to this year.

More films are expected from Nigeria, Malawi and South Africa as well as Bulgaria, Canada, Indonesia, Russia, Iran, China, German, Japan, Portugal and Spain.

The short film category that has more than 50 films of which 13 are local productions has four animations namely Salad Chick 1 and 2, Meet Spunt Goat and Canvas of the Fallen.

Famous producers in the short film slot include Garikai Chawasarira, Tafara Gondo and Farai Munarira.

There are few productions in the documentary category with Spain, Canada and South Africa submitting international entries while three local producers complete the list.

The three documentaries from the local scene have a bias towards music.

Leading the list is jazz musician Rute Mbangwa’s music and life history titled Rute Goes Kumanginde while Judith Stuart explores the roots and growth of mbira music in Popular History of Mbira Music.

The other documentary is Alfred by Winfrey Mungweme.

Avondale will be the hub of the festival with three screening venues at Elite 100, Vistrama and the ZIFF offices while other venues include Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton and Young Africa Centre in Chitungwiza.

Outstanding productions will be recognised at the Awards Night ceremony to be held on September 5.
Some of the award categories are Best Documentary, Best Short Film, Best Animation, Best Actor and Best Actress (Feature), Best Screenplay and Audience Choice.

Festival coordinator Sharon Rusare said the fete would be spiced with a lot of entertainment activity, which will ensure that there will be more fun besides watching films.

"This year it is not just film as we will also have a number of entertainment activities to keep the people entertained between screenings," Rusare said.

"There will be a lot of music at our offices, which is also another venue for film screening."