Misan Harriman, Chair of London’s Southbank Centre, is one of the most widely shared visual storytellers of this generation. In 2020, he became the first Black photographer in British Vogue’s 104-year history to shoot its September cover. His striking work ranges from documenting global civil rights movements to photographing cultural icons including Meghan Markle & Prince Harry, Angelina Jolie, Jay-Z, Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, Rihanna, and Cate Blanchett. His debut film, The After starring David Oyelowo, became Netflix UK’s first original short and earned him an Academy Award® nomination in 2024.

24th Annual San Diego International Film Festival Reveals 2025 Slate

HollyShorts Winners

Top 10 Live Action Short Films Finalists

Social Impact Award

Another win for ‘Rise’

“Local film production Rise has secured another gong with the latest accolade received recently at the prestigious Indy Shorts International Film Festival.”

‘Trapped’ Wins Grand Prize at Hollyshorts Film Festival, Qualifies for Oscars

“Since its historic Tribeca premiere just three months ago, RISE has been selected for dozens of international festivals and has already won four awards: the Social Impact Award at the Oscar®-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival; the Shine Global Children’s Resilience Award at the Oscar®-qualifying Indy Shorts Festival; Best Child Actor at the New York Film and Cinematography Awards; and Best Female Director for Rowlands at the Tokyo Film and Screenplay Awards.

“Rooted in the true story of Tobias Mupfuti, a boxing coach who turned personal pain into collective purpose, RISE is a short film that punches far above its weight, delivering emotional gravity and thematic depth in just under 30 minutes.”

A Glimpse Into Resilience

"the story doesn’t just aim for impact; it earns it through thoughtful character work and an unforced emotional arc"

“RISE is the kind of film that feels grown from the ground up, deeply connected to the people and places it depicts.”

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Filmmaker Interview with Jessica J. Rowlands

“Hailing from Zimbambwe, the short is first selected from the country by the Tribeca Film Festival, and Rowlands is well worthy of the honor. Combining some incredible cinematography and very good performances from its two leads give us an uplifting story that is sure to be a crowdpleaser.”

Sarah welcomes writer and director Jessica J Rowlands to chat about her latest short film Rise featuring at the Tribeca Film Festival

Becoming the Person You Needed: Jessica J. Rowlands on RISE, Resilience, and Zimbabwean Cinema’s Tribeca World Premiere

Shorts Exclusive: ‘Rise’ Drops First Trailer, Becomes First Zimbabwean Short Selected for Tribeca Film Festival

“Rise is the sweet story of a boy with nothing but the determination to survive, who meets a man who is a skilled boxer, but himself feels an emptiness in life. At its core, it’s about facing life’s deepest fears. For Rise, it’s stepping into the ring and trusting his training. For Coach, the responsibility he faces in raising a kid with literally nothing to his name.”

Zimbabwe’s RISE debuts on global stage at Tribeca Festival

“RISE is an emotionally powerful directorial debut that explores themes of resilience, mentorship, and healing, inspired by the true story of Victoria Falls-based boxing coach Tobias Mupfuti.”

A charismatic young boy who lives on a rubbish dump in Zimbabwe convinces a reclusive boxing coach to teach him to fight in a world that has left him behind.

"This is a film that can be appreciated from every angle. It tells a beautiful story and was adapted in a way that honors that"

Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Showcases a Diverse Slate of Groundbreaking Shorts

“RISE is the first Zimbabwean film ever selected for Tribeca—an emotional true story of resilience and mentorship. A great cinematic triumph for Zimbabwe.”

RISE makes history as first Zimbabwean film selected for Tribeca Festival premiere

“RISE continues this groundbreaking legacy and represents a new era for African storytelling on the global stage.“

Description goes hereMakes History as First Zimbabwean Film Selected for Tribeca Festival Premiere, June 8 

“Shot entirely on location in Zimbabwe with an all-African cast and crew, RISE is a testament to both the beauty of Zimbabwe and the strength of its people.“

Sikhanyiso wins a NAMA Award (The Zimbabwean Oscars) and becomes the youngest winner in the Awards history

Article published in the Chronicle about upcoming auditions

Acclaimed Zimbabwean actor Eddie Sandifolo (L) joins the team as an acting coach, as they begin auditions in Victoria Falls.

Auditions begin this weekend in Victoria Falls, then will be held in Hwange and Binga in the first week of June.

The RISE screenplay received high praise from an Academy Award Winning Director!

Tongayi cast as Cheetor in the Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts movie

Article published in The Chronicle

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