A powerful short film born from the harsh realities of life on the streets of Victoria Falls has made cinematic history for Zimbabwe. 'Rise' has become the first film from the nation to qualify for consideration for an Academy Award, drawing its inspiration from the remarkable true story of Tobias Mupfuti and his boxing academy for homeless children.
From Homelessness to Hope: The Tobias Mupfuti Story
The film's foundation is the life of Tobias Mupfuti. At just eight years old, he found himself homeless after his father rejected him and his mother could not afford to care for him. Surviving on tourist handouts in the resort town, his life changed at twelve when, tired of being bullied, he asked a boxing coach to teach him for self-defence.
That decision set him on a new path. In his early twenties, he trained alone in the bush near Victoria Falls airport, eventually attracting a following of local children. Offered a classroom at Mosi-oa-Tunya high school, he began coaching properly. His ultimate achievement was buying land and building his own gym, creating the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy.
Today, the 38-year-old Mupfuti runs the academy which provides free training for about 40 underprivileged children, with eight also receiving shelter. The academy funds education, food, and shelter, supported by donations and small fees from a separate adult gym. "I thought of giving hope to those children rejected by their families," Mupfuti says, reflecting on his own past.
'Rise': A Festival Darling with Historic Credentials
This compelling narrative was captured by writer-director Jessica J Rowlands, who grew up in Victoria Falls. The film, titled 'Rise', stars Zimbabwe-born Hollywood actor Tongayi Chirisa as the coach and features Sikhanyiso Ngwenya as the charismatic young boy living on a rubbish dump who convinces him to teach.
The film had its international premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York in June 2025, another first for a Zimbabwean production. Although it did not make the final Oscar shortlist, its qualification was a landmark moment. To date, the critically acclaimed short has won an impressive 19 awards globally.
Chirisa, known for his role in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, immersed himself in Mupfuti's world to prepare. "The real-life gentleman's story is incredible. A selfless man, a man of humility despite the hardships," Chirisa stated. He believes the film speaks to the universal need to nurture every child, highlighting the theme of "find[ing] hope in a place of hopelessness."
Authenticity and the Future of Zimbabwean Film
Authenticity was paramount. Mupfuti was deeply involved as an executive producer, was on set throughout the Victoria Falls and Harare shoot, and even acted as a stunt double for Chirisa. Producer Joe Njagu emphasised that Mupfuti's involvement was crucial to shaping the authentic story.
Njagu, who also co-produced Cook Off (the first Zimbabwean film acquired by Netflix), sees 'Rise' as a catalyst. He notes the sector is transitioning "from being a film community to becoming a film industry," and that 'Rise' has 'leapfrogged' the local industry onto a global stage.
Meanwhile, the real-life impact continues. Mupfuti plans to expand the academy, adding ten more rooms to help more homeless children. His work changes lives, as evidenced by students like Bright Moyo, who says the academy saved him from a potential path into drugs. "I saw myself in that young boy in the film," Moyo admits.
The journey of 'Rise'—from the streets of Victoria Falls to the Oscars qualifying list—is a testament to the power of personal resilience and the transformative potential of cinema to share stories of hope with the world.
