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Rise: Zimbabwe's Oscar-Qualifying Film Inspires Young Boxers

12/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The film Rise, directed by Jessica J Rowlands, follows Tobias Mupfuti from homelessness in Victoria Falls to boxing coach.
Rise premiered at Tribeca in June 2025 as the first Zimbabwean film to qualify for Oscar consideration.
Tobias Mupfuti trains underprivileged children at the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy.
About 40 children train for free at the academy.
The film has won 19 awards and aims to elevate the Zimbabwean film industry.

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Story summary

The film Rise, directed by Jessica J Rowlands, follows Tobias Mupfuti from homelessness in Victoria Falls to boxing coach.
Rise premiered at Tribeca in June 2025 as the first Zimbabwean film to qualify for Oscar consideration.
Tobias Mupfuti trains underprivileged children at the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy.
About 40 children train for free at the academy.
The film has won 19 awards and aims to elevate the Zimbabwean film industry.