A Glimpse Into Resilience

Read Time:4 Minute, 52 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
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Genre: Drama, Short
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 22m
Director(s): Jessica J. Rowlands
Writer(s): Jessica J. Rowlands
Cast: Tongayi Chirisa, Prudence Mubaiwa, Tobias Mupfuti, Edmet Dube, Charles Ndlovu, Kelvin Taliana, Phineas Makuvaza, Cilemeko Tickey Mudenda, Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, Samson Mdimba
Where to Watch: shown at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: What makes a short film linger after it ends isn’t always its structure or budget—it’s the sincerity in how it handles its message. That’s exactly what’s on display in a project that clocks in under half an hour yet delivers a surprisingly affecting emotional experience. With its focus on intergenerational mentorship and personal redemption, the story doesn’t just aim for impact; it earns it through thoughtful character work and an unforced emotional arc.

Filmed entirely in Zimbabwe with a local cast and crew, the story centers on a hardened coach and a boy searching for safety in a world that hasn’t offered him much. Instead of leaning into melodrama or overexplaining its themes, the film lets its visuals and performances speak, trusting the audience to read between the lines. And that’s one of its strengths—it avoids feeling overly scripted or manipulative.

Much of the credit belongs to Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, whose portrayal of the boy carries a natural intensity that most child actors could only hope to reach. After being discovered in a township during street auditions, Ngwenya’s presence is quiet but commanding. You believe every reaction, every moment of fear or stubbornness. His performance sets the tone for the rest of the film, grounding the character in a reality that feels lived-in rather than acted out.

Opposite him, Tongayi Chirisa plays the coach with a guarded weariness. He’s not the kind of character who spells out his thinking, making his gradual transformation feel all the more meaningful. Their dynamic doesn’t fall into cliché—there’s resistance, awkward silences, and moments that feel earned rather than formulaic. That relationship is the story's spine, and it's compelling not because it's dramatic but because it's real.

Behind the camera, director Jessica J. Rowlands delivers a confident debut emphasizing restraint. Her decision to avoid unnecessary exposition allows room for viewers to form their emotional connection. Inspired by real-life boxing coach Tobias Mupfuti, who helps vulnerable children through sport and mentorship, the film reflects a lived experience rather than a dramatized version. Rowlands' connection to Zimbabwe comes through in the story’s integrity and respect for the culture it portrays.

The film’s historic premiere at Tribeca isn’t just a trivia point—it’s a reminder of how underrepresented African cinema continues to be on the global stage. Being the first Zimbabwean short or feature to screen at the festival, this project doesn’t just break ground; it opens the door for others. Producer Joe Njagu, already a key figure in Zimbabwean filmmaking, helps solidify this effort as more than a one-off success. It’s part of a growing movement to spotlight African stories through the lens of those who live them.

The film’s short length is both a gift and a limitation. On one hand, it keeps things focused, never overstaying its welcome or meandering into unnecessary subplots. On the other hand, it leaves you wanting a bit more context, especially regarding supporting characters or the larger world the boy inhabits. Hints of deeper struggles and communal dynamics remain just outside the frame. Expanding this story into a feature-length film wouldn’t just pad it out; it could enrich the emotional stakes and widen the thematic scope.

One of the most admirable qualities here is its refusal to force its message. The film never shouts about resilience or screams for sympathy. Instead, it allows you to feel those themes organically, drawing them out through action, silence, and character-driven moments. That’s a much harder approach, especially in a short format, but Rowlands manages it with control and confidence.

Ultimately, what makes this short work is its sincerity. There’s no hint of pretension or forced sentimentality. Instead, it draws strength from its characters, setting, and honesty. It’s a quietly moving story about connection, redemption, and finding your footing when the ground beneath you has long since shifted. For a debut project, it's impressive in its control and restraint. The film accomplishes what it sets out to do and leaves you with the lingering feeling that is rare in a runtime under 30 minutes.

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