Magriza Made Me Cook nominated at EuroFilmFestZW

For five years, the late Violet Masiye (née Nkomo) shared her kitchen wisdom with her grandson, Prince Sivalo Mahlangu. Today, her legacy is being celebrated on the international stage, as Mahlangu's YouTube culinary series Magriza Made Me Cook (MMMC) has been nominated for "Best Documentary" at the prestigious European Film Festival Zimbabwe (EuroFilmFestZW) Bioskop Short Film Competition.

An overjoyed Mahlangu expressed his excitement about the recognition. "I'm super proud to be nominated. It's my first one on this platform. I'm a happy man," he said in an interview.

MMMC, now in its fifth year, is a heartfelt tribute to African and Zimbabwean food culture. It focuses on traditional recipes and storytelling passed down through generations, with Mahlangu's grandmother, affectionately known as "Magriza," being the cornerstone of the show's inspiration.

"The past few months have been challenging but fruitful," Mahlangu said. "Magriza's passing was a huge loss, but she always told me the work must continue. The culture needs to be documented for future generations."

This nomination follows Mahlangu's recent recognition with an Imiklomelo KaDakamela award from Chief Dakamela last month, marking a period of well-deserved accolades for the young content creator.

EuroFilmFestZW organisers praised the 2025 submissions for their powerful storytelling and artistry. The festival features six award categories this year, showcasing some of Zimbabwe's most innovative filmmakers.

Bulawayo is particularly well-represented. In addition to Mahlangu's MMMC nomination, Bureau De Change by Chioniso Tsikisayi and Clinton Zvoushe is in the running for "Best Narrative", while Wayne "Left Hand Animation" Ndebele earned his first creative nomination for "Best Sound Editing" with his film The Holder.

Running from May 30 to June 8, this year's festival will centre on the theme "Celebrating Women". Notably, the events will be hosted at Mbare Art Space in Harare and Amakhosi Arts Centre in Bulawayo — a significant shift from traditional central venues.

Festival co-curator Alex Gwaze explained the change: "We've used alternative venues before, like the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Moving to Amakhosi responds to requests from our audience, especially those unable to reach the city centre."

He added: "Like our shift from Mt Pleasant to Mbare in Harare, we're moving from the CBD to Makokoba, Bulawayo's oldest township. Amakhosi has nurtured Bulawayo's top creatives for decades, and we look forward to seeing familiar faces, especially those curious about the centre's recent renovations."

With MMMC's nomination, Mahlangu continues to serve more than food — he dishes up memory, identity, and cultural pride.

Below is a full list of EuroFilmFestZW Bioskop Short Film Competition nominees:

Best Narrative
Underrated Strokes – Ndabezinhle Khoza
Bureau De Change – Chioniso Tsikisayi & Clinton Zvoushe
Peggy – Jonathan Samukange

Best Documentary
Pillow – Erick Leo Jakata
Coach Mercy – Tenford Chitanana
Weaving a Future Past: An Artist's Journey. Home – Prince Sivalo Mahlangu
The Role of Women in Preserving Traditional Knowledge – Tinashe Simon Ziswa

Best Sound Editing
Good Days – Derrick Manieca
Peggy – Jonathan Samukange
Underrated Strokes – Ndabezinhle Khoza
The Holder – Wayne Tabaka Ndebele

Best Cinematography
Good Days – Derrick Manieca
Underrated Strokes – Ndabezinhle Khoza
Mandlovu – Tamudaishe Ngwaru

Best Actor/Actress
Fulu Mugovhani – Burns and Song
Albert Chigiya – Peggy
Angeline Cinatra Moyo – Peggy

Best Diaspora Narrative
Olympics at the Beach – Kudzi Synos
Go For the Head – Andile J Gumbo

Winners will be announced during the EuroFilmFestZW Harare Festival Opening Ceremony on May 30 at Mbare Art Space.