Abstract
This study sets motion for systematic academic investigations on the Algiers Charter of 1975 and
film production in Zimbabwe and Africa at large. The charter stipulates that filmmakers should
be committed to the development of an ‘African’ cinema, radically different from previous
cinematic representations of Africa by the Western world, rejecting commercial influence.
Despite the centrality of the charter in film production, systematic academic studies on the
phenomenon in the Zimbabwean context are scarce. Theoretically informed by Third Cinema
theory and utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study investigates the feasibility and
relevance of the Algiers charter in the context of film production in Zimbabwe. In-depth semi
structured interviews were conducted with five purposively selected film producers drawn from
some of Zimbabwe’s major cities: Harare, Masvingo and Gweru. From the data obtained, the
study comes to the conclusion that the Algiers charter is hardly known by Zimbabwean film
makers despite its importance. Moreover, while some film makers might be profit oriented, an
ever bleeding Zimbabwean economy makes it impossible for the film makers to make financial
profits. Finally, the study contends that Zimbabwe’s film industry, has failed to radically divorce
itself from the western gaze of the African scenario.
Naser, . (2021). Rethinking the Algiers Charter in contemporary film production in Zimbabwe: Conversations with film producers. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/rethinking-the-algiers-charter-in-contemporary-film-production-in-zimbabwe-conversations-with-film-producers
Naser, Mahmed "Rethinking the Algiers Charter in contemporary film production in Zimbabwe: Conversations with film producers" Afribary. Afribary, 04 May. 2021, https://afribary.com/works/rethinking-the-algiers-charter-in-contemporary-film-production-in-zimbabwe-conversations-with-film-producers. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Naser, Mahmed . "Rethinking the Algiers Charter in contemporary film production in Zimbabwe: Conversations with film producers". Afribary, Afribary, 04 May. 2021. Web. 22 Nov. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/rethinking-the-algiers-charter-in-contemporary-film-production-in-zimbabwe-conversations-with-film-producers >.
Naser, Mahmed . "Rethinking the Algiers Charter in contemporary film production in Zimbabwe: Conversations with film producers" Afribary (2021). Accessed November 22, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/rethinking-the-algiers-charter-in-contemporary-film-production-in-zimbabwe-conversations-with-film-producers