Internship Application Letter Film Director in Zimbabwe Harare – Free Word Template Download with AI

For the Position of Aspiring Film Director Internship

August 26, 2023

Ms. Thandiwe Moyo
Head of Talent Development
Horizon Films Production House
Harare Arts Complex, Ground Floor
Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe

I am writing with profound enthusiasm to submit my Internship Application Letter for the Film Director Internship position at Horizon Films Production House in Zimbabwe Harare, as advertised on the Zimbabwe Media Development Centre's career portal. As a recent graduate from the University of Cape Town's prestigious School of Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in Cinematic Storytelling, I have dedicated my academic journey to mastering the craft that defines authentic African narratives—particularly those rooted in our vibrant Harare community and broader Zimbabwean cultural landscape.

My fascination with visual storytelling began during childhood summers spent observing the meticulous filmmaking process of local directors capturing Shona festivals along the Mutare Riverbanks. This early exposure crystallized my ambition to become a Film Director who not only creates but elevates Zimbabwean voices through cinema. At UCT, I directed five short films exploring themes of urban resilience in Harare's high-density suburbs and rural land reforms in Mashonaland East—works that earned me the 2022 African Student Filmmaker Award. My thesis film, "Mukwati's Harvest," which documented smallholder farming communities near Chitungwiza, screened at the Harare International Festival of Arts (HIFA) 2023 and sparked vital community dialogues about agricultural sustainability.

What makes this internship particularly significant is my deep understanding that Zimbabwe Harare represents a pivotal nexus for cinematic innovation in Africa. As one of the continent's most dynamic creative hubs, our city pulses with stories waiting to be told—from the resilient spirit of Mbare Market traders to the generational wisdom preserved in Matabeleland's oral traditions. Horizon Films' recent projects like "Nyika Rises" and "Harare Night Skies" exemplify precisely this ethos—films that don't just depict Zimbabwe but actively shape its cultural identity. I am eager to contribute my skills in narrative development, camera operation (with proficiency in RED Komodo and Sony FX6), and post-production using DaVinci Resolve to your team's groundbreaking work.

During my academic tenure, I developed a systematic approach to pre-production that respects Zimbabwean storytelling traditions while embracing modern techniques. For instance, for "Mukwati's Harvest," I conducted collaborative workshops with elders from Chitungwiza's farming co-ops to ensure authentic cultural representation—a methodology directly applicable to Horizon Films' community-centered projects. My technical portfolio includes:

• Scriptwriting for three documentary shorts on Zimbabwean women entrepreneurs (two selected for the Harare Film Festival)
• Assistant directing on "Kudzai's Kitchen," a short film documenting culinary traditions in Mwenezi
• Editing and color grading experience with African visual aesthetics through partnerships with ZimTV

I recognize that the true power of cinema lies in its ability to transform local narratives into universal human experiences—exactly what Horizon Films achieves. Your production house’s commitment to nurturing Zimbabwean talent aligns perfectly with my professional vision. I am particularly inspired by your "Harare Lens Initiative," which provides emerging filmmakers with equipment access and mentorship; I would be honored to contribute to this mission while learning from industry veterans like yourself.

My connection to Zimbabwe Harare extends beyond professional interest—it is a deep personal commitment. Having grown up in the heart of Harare's Avondale neighborhood, I understand the city's unique cinematic energy: the way street vendors become characters in dawn-to-dusk storytelling; how political currents shape community narratives; and why authentic representation matters more than ever. When I walk through Mbare or along the Bulawayo Road corridor, I see not just locations but living canvases waiting to be captured. This intimate familiarity allows me to identify compelling stories that resonate with local audiences while maintaining international appeal—a balance your team consistently achieves.

I am prepared to bring exceptional dedication to this Film Director Internship. My schedule is fully available from September 2023 through March 2024, coinciding with Horizon Films' peak production season. I have already secured housing near the Harare Arts Complex for seamless integration into your workflow and will provide my full portfolio—including directorial sketches, shot lists from "Mukwati's Harvest," and community feedback reports—at your convenience. My academic record includes a 3.8 GPA with honors in Film Studies, but more importantly, I possess the cultural intelligence to navigate Zimbabwean production environments while bringing fresh perspectives from my international film studies exchange at London Film School.

In closing, I am confident that my passion for authentic Zimbabwean storytelling, technical proficiency in contemporary filmmaking techniques, and deep roots in Harare's creative ecosystem position me to make meaningful contributions to Horizon Films. This Internship Application Letter represents not just a professional opportunity but a commitment to preserving and innovating Zimbabwe's cinematic heritage. I would be profoundly grateful for the chance to discuss how my skills align with your upcoming projects during an interview at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my CV, directorial portfolio, and three references—including Dr. Nokuthula Ndlovu (Head of Film Studies at University of Zimbabwe) and Mr. Tendai Chikwava (Oscar-nominated cinematographer). I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of Zimbabwe Harare's cinematic renaissance.

Sincerely,

Kudzai Moyo

Student of Cinematic Arts | University of Cape Town

Word Count: 852

This Internship Application Letter reflects my unwavering commitment to becoming a Film Director who honors Zimbabwe Harare's cultural richness while innovating within Africa's evolving cinematic landscape.