Rise: The Inspiring Story Behind Zimbabwe's Oscar-Contending Film

The short film "Rise," which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025, is the first Zimbabwean film to qualify for Oscar consideration, showcasing the life-changing journey of Tobias Mupfuti, a former homeless child who now runs the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy. The film, directed by Jessica J Rowlands, tells the story of a young boy living on a rubbish dump who persuades Mupfuti, portrayed by Tongayi Chirisa, to teach him boxing as a means of finding safety and strength.

The Guardian

Tobias Mupfuti's life was marked by hardship from a young age. After being abandoned by his father and left homeless by his mother’s inability to provide for him, Mupfuti survived on food handouts in Victoria Falls. At the age of 12, he began boxing for self-defense, which ultimately led him to establish the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy. The academy now trains approximately 40 underprivileged children, providing them with education, shelter, and food, aiming to keep them off the streets.

The Guardian

• Tobias Mupfuti: The protagonist whose life story inspired the film and who serves as an executive producer. He is actively involved in the academy and the film's production.

The Guardian

• Tongayi Chirisa: A Zimbabwe-born Hollywood actor who plays Mupfuti in "Rise." He emphasized the importance of portraying Mupfuti's humanity and resilience.

The Guardian

• Jessica J Rowlands: The director and writer of "Rise," who grew up in Victoria Falls and aimed to authentically depict the local culture and struggles.

The Guardian

• Sikhanyiso Ngwenya: The young actor who plays the character inspired by Mupfuti's early life.

The Guardian

"Rise" has garnered 19 awards globally and is significant for the Zimbabwean film industry, marking a transition from a community-based approach to a more structured film industry. The film's success at the Tribeca Film Festival highlights the potential for Zimbabwean cinema on international platforms, encouraging further investment and interest in local storytelling.

The Guardian

Mupfuti expressed his commitment to helping underprivileged children, stating, “We try by every means so that they do not have time to go to the streets.” Chirisa noted the film's message about nurturing every child, emphasizing the need for hope in challenging circumstances. Producer Joe Njagu remarked on Mupfuti's integral role in shaping the film's authenticity, stating, “He was at the set every minute of it.”

The Guardian

Despite the film's accolades, there are challenges facing the Zimbabwean film industry, including limited funding and resources. Critics argue that while "Rise" is a step forward, systemic issues still hinder the growth of local filmmakers and their stories.

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Mupfuti plans to expand the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy to accommodate more homeless children, aiming to add ten more rooms to the facility. This expansion reflects his ongoing commitment to providing hope and opportunities for vulnerable youth in Zimbabwe.

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• “Just his humanity was a great privilege to try to portray. He is an impeccable individual, very deep, very nuanced and subtle.” — Tongayi Chirisa, Actor

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• “If the academy had not paid for my fees, the chances were high that I would have been into drugs.” — Bright Moyo, Academy Beneficiary

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• “What Rise has done is leapfrog to where we are trying to get with big efforts like being the first film in Zimbabwe at the Tribeca film festival,” he says.” — Joe Njagu, Producer

The Guardian