Zimbabwe made movie history when RISE became the first film from the country accepted at New York's famous Tribeca Festival. Jessica J Rowlands wrote and directed the short film that premiered on June 8, 2025. Cast members Tongayi Chirisa, Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, and Joe Njagu joined Rowlands at the celebration. The movie tells the true story of boxing coach Tobias Mupfuti who helps orphaned children through his academy. Mupfuti turns his difficult past into hope for vulnerable kids around Victoria Falls.
The production team filmed entirely inside Zimbabwe using African actors and crew members. Eight-year-old Sikhanyiso Ngwenya won a National Arts Merit Award for his breakthrough performance. He acts alongside Tongayi Chirisa who plays the troubled coach trying to heal from past wounds. The story starts when the coach saves a boy from a street attack and agrees to train him for competition. Their relationship grows into something deeper about trust and recovery.
Rowlands previously won two UCLA Screenwriting Awards for her coming-of-age stories. Producer Joe Njagu created Cook Off which became the first Zimbabwean feature on Netflix. The film captures Victoria Falls through stunning camera work that shows both emotional depth and natural beauty. RISE opens doors for future filmmakers from Zimbabwe who want international recognition.
The production team filmed entirely inside Zimbabwe using African actors and crew members. Eight-year-old Sikhanyiso Ngwenya won a National Arts Merit Award for his breakthrough performance. He acts alongside Tongayi Chirisa who plays the troubled coach trying to heal from past wounds. The story starts when the coach saves a boy from a street attack and agrees to train him for competition. Their relationship grows into something deeper about trust and recovery.
Rowlands previously won two UCLA Screenwriting Awards for her coming-of-age stories. Producer Joe Njagu created Cook Off which became the first Zimbabwean feature on Netflix. The film captures Victoria Falls through stunning camera work that shows both emotional depth and natural beauty. RISE opens doors for future filmmakers from Zimbabwe who want international recognition.
