Story by Peter Chivhima
The government is committed to supporting the local arts industry and transforming it into a multi-billion-dollar sector just like India’s Bollywood.
India’s Bollywood film industry has transformed the arts industry of the Asian country into a multi-billion sector hence the government has noted the need for Zimbabwe to tap into that expertise.
Speaking during the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav held in Harare this Tuesday, the Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Honourable Kindness Paradza highlighted the need to support the local arts industry to achieve that goal.
“We are in full support of the relationship between our nation and India. Recently, our minister was invited to India where she visited Bollywood. We are thinking that if we come up with our Zimbowood, we can go far. We need to develop our film industry so that we merge with India. It is prudent that cooperation must be established between Zimbabwe and India in the following areas: Joint film production riding on the experience of Bollywood; Content exchange; Training of news agencies; Technical support for the supply of cameras, studio sets, OB Vans, and other broadcasting equipment, digitalization migration support, sharing experiences on the sustainable management of community radio stations,” he said.
India’s top envoy to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Ambassador Vijay Kanduja, who expressed gratitude over the relationship between the two countries, highlighted the importance of cultural programmes in cementing existing friendships.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the second edition of Namaste Zimbabwe Festival, during the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence, which we are observing as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Namaste is a well-known Indian form of greeting. It means that I bow to you. The joining of the two palms also improves concentration, awareness and focus, and brings peace to oneself.”
The cooperation also extends beyond the economic sphere.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Arts, Sport and Recreation, Dr Thokhozile Chitepo noted, “We are pleased to be participating in the event, for the past 6 years Zimbabwe has been participating. It’s a good platform to exchange our culture and we are pleased. From the sporting point of view, Zimbabwe is benefiting look at Yoga. This also promotes cultural tourism.”
Zimbabwe and India have a relationship that is emotively cast on a shared history.
