The 31st of October is Halloween. Even though we don’t actually celebrate Halloween in Zimbabwe (well, a few of us do in our own way), we are aware of it, whether that is because of being a former British colony or the huge influence American culture has on the world through its massive media machine. So how do those of us who indulge in Halloween do so in our neck of woods? We watch horror movies!
Horror is not a popular genre of film among Zimbabwean filmmakers. I am yet to find out why exactly, maybe this could be something else I should write about. Horror is however quite popular among Zimbabwean viewers. As a people we are fascinated by the supernatural and scary; witches, ghosts and goblins always prove to be best sellers in tabloids, blogs and social media. So, without further ado, here are 6 Zimbabwean horror movies to watch this Halloween…in no particular order.
Maoko Akandirera (The Hands That Raised me)
Written and Directed by Tinashe Dorobeni as part of his course work at JAC Film School, this short film tells the story of Kevin, a young man stuck in a toxic household ruled by an abusive parent. On the day that he plans to escape, things a turn for the dark. I know I said this list is in no particular order but this film is actually my favourite. It features a stunning performance by one of Zimbabwe’s top acting talents Eunice Tava, it has killer sound design, beautiful cinematography and the directing is razor sharp. I first watched it at the Zimbabwe International Film Festival 2023 and couldn’t believe it was a student film. I really hope it gets a longer version. Tinashe, hint, hint.
Peggy
If you don’t know the story of Peggy then you have been living under a rock. This tale of a ghost who preys on unsuspecting men looking for a “good time” is so pervasive every city has its own version. Filmmaker Jonathan Samukange helms this masterful telling of a familiar tale. Samukange’s films have a particular look I love. His film Taxistarring Munya Chidzonga hints at his skill at telling scary stories but in Peggy he is firing on all cylinders; beautiful colour contrast in every frame, class-leading special effects by Juliet Guveya aka Juelz_Artistry and dope post production work. We need more horror films from you Mr Samukange.
Chimera
Is it pronounced chimera like Shona or “kai-mera”? I guess whoever is closest to the director Praise T Murenje will have to ask him. If you enjoyed 1997’s I Know What You Did Last Summer then you’ll have an idea of what this short film is about. A bunch of youngsters run a person over while on a road trip and try to cover it up but obviously some supernatural, horror stuff happens to them. The thing I love most about this film is it takes the constraints of having no budget and makes it a strength, telling a lean, efficient story. The cinematography could’ve been better but horror is one genre where the audience can be forgiving as long as there is entertainment, which this film has. I’m eager to see what Praise will put out in the future.
Animals
Director Welensky Kaseke gives us a short glimpse into a strange world in Animals. Two blind siblings go out hunting in a forest despite warnings that they may encounter “animals” out there. This is a very short one but so much world building is packed into it’s sub 5 minute run-time that I pray we will see this world expanded. There are some great visual effects by VFX specialist Forward Musaamba and the cinematography by Leo Jakata Ericks proves why he is a rising star in cinematography in Zimbabwe. Welensky has already proven to be a skilled horror director in the tv series Janganowhich aired on 3ktv, now I just hope he blesses us with a feature length movie.
Nevanji
Now, you didn’t think I was going to make a list of Zimbabwean horror films without mentioning my own, did you? Nevanji, my debut feature film tells the story of a young couple with a young child who is sick and dying. After a consultation with a n’anga goes wrong, the family finds itself tormented by an evil ancestral spirit. The kid who stars in this movie, Tyler Gurure is a talent to look out for in the future, he even scared me at times and his Best Actor award at the 2019 Zimbabwe International Film Festival was well deserved. I don’t want to sound like I’m patting myself on the back so I’ll just move on to the final film in the list.
Bako
Another one of my films again. Sorry, not sorry. This is the most recent film in this list, being a 2025 release. Bako tells the story of illegal or artisanal miners who enter an abandoned mine in search of a huge gold deposit. What they find instead is some supernatural force that changes their treasure hunt to a fight for survival. I’m very proud of the work done on this film, the team went all out; we built fake caves and mine shafts to film in, travelled all the way to Mashava, a small mining town for extra realism and the performances by the actors are A class. Unlike all the other films on this list however, Bako is not on youtube but should you want to rent or buy it, it is actually on special (this being Halloween and all). It’s only $1 to rent and $5 to buy…more than a 50% discount. Link below.
https://creativehubfilms.vhx.tv
While it is far from exhaustive, I hope this list demonstrates to people that not only is horror doing okay in Zimbabwe but filmmaking as a whole is alive and well in the 263. Please take time to share this list with people you know will love it and happy viewing.
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