Our #MCM is Tafadzwa Hove, an annie-award winning filmmaker, with a background in animation, commercials, TV narratives, and VR, renowned for directing and writing. Through his work on “Mukudzei,” a captivating short animated film in the award-winning African Animation Anthology, Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, exclusively on Disney Plus, Hove showcases his deep passion for animation and commitment to challenging stereotypes surrounding Africa. His work revolves around narratives that explore the experiences of outsiders and celebrate the triumph of hope, skillfully blending genres like sci-fi and humor to weave stories that defy expectations and shed new light on the continent.
His journey as a filmmaker began during his time studying at the University of Cape Town (UCT). He shared, “I studied film at UCT. Although I initially went there to do Computer Science, I didn’t qualify, and I was advised to take a BA course to earn enough credits for a switch. So, I pondered, ‘What would be the easiest thing to study?’ and decided to pursue film and media. I fell in love with it and never looked back. After graduating, I had an up-and-down career, working on commercials and corporate videos, until an opportunity to work on Kizazi Moto came knocking.”
Drawing inspiration from the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, Hove explained the motivation behind his short film, “Mukudzei,” and its connection to challenging stereotypes. He stated, “When Black Panther was released, it was a treat to see Wakanda portrayed as an African society where black people were not depicted as poverty-stricken, but rather as a thriving civilization at the pinnacle of technology, fashion, and other spheres of influence. However, there was a lot of backlash from people who argued, ‘Yeah, but Wakanda is a fictitious place. Only in a world of fiction can we see an African society like that.’ But as Zimbabweans, we know that such a civilisation existed historically, where black people were leaders, and it served as an aspirational civilisation – the former Kingdom of Great Zimbabwe.”
Regarding animation as a powerful medium for challenging stereotypes, Hove shared his perspective. He said, “The stereotype of Africa being poor, lazy, and uninventive has been perpetuated for far too long. Animation provides an opportunity to disrupt these stereotypes and showcase the true potential of Africa. In my work, I hope to address these stereotypes and present a vision of Africa that is innovative, resourceful, and full of promise.”
When asked about the importance of grounding the story in a tangible cultural context, Hove emphasize, “It’s super important, especially for us as Africans, who so often have had to endure watered-down or inauthentic portrayals of our culture. It also gives your film an identity and helps you draw inspiration from something unique.”
When it comes to the impact of his work on showcasing Africa’s potential, Hove expressed, “Hopefully, Mukudzei will inspire all Zimbabweans and Africans to see the greatness within us and recognize that we not only have stories but also ideas that the global market has an appetite for.”
Reflecting on his work’s ability to counter criticisms faced by “Black Panther,” Hove stated, “I think our work achieves this by drawing from a real Kingdom and portraying it not in a utopian or uppity fairy tale manner; our city is not perfect. There is crime in this city and scavengers, which makes it tangible. It doesn’t feel like we’re peddling some unrealistic ideation of what Great Zimbabwe was.”
Overcoming challenges was an integral part of Hove’s creative process. He shared, “The biggest challenge was working remotely with a production company in Canada and people who had never been to Zimbabwe. Some of the members of the production company had never even heard of Zimbabwe until this project. It took a lot of communication, late nights, a shared vision, and a goal that was bigger than just making a film.”
Looking to the future, Hove remains committed to challenging stereotypes and shedding new light on the African continent through his work. While he couldn’t provide specific details about his future projects, he expressed his dedication to telling authentic stories inspired by African culture. With inspired African characters and places, Hove believes that these stories will naturally surpass everyone’s expectations.
Tafadzwa Hove’s talent and passion have made him a force to be reckoned with in the animation industry. His work on the “Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire” anthology for Disney+ highlights his ability to defy stereotypes and showcase the potential of Africa. As he continues to push boundaries and enlighten audiences, Hove is sure to make a lasting impact as the future of animation in Africa.
