Roseline Mutare
A groundbreaking 3D animated short film produced by a final-year student at Lupane State University (LSU) has stolen the show at the AV Expo 2025.
The AV Expo is a prestigious event that brings together academic institutions, media professionals, broadcasters, and tech innovators.
The film, titled “Luveve’s Shadow,” is the brainchild of Prince Ngwenya, a BA Honours student in Film, Television, and Media Studies at LSU. It was showcased as part of the university’s exhibition at the Harare Showgrounds, where the AV Expo 2025 – Media, Broadcasting, and Technology was held from July 8 to 10.
Luveve’s Shadow is an experimental 3D animated short film that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and technical innovation in Zimbabwean animation. The film’s compelling narrative and daring approach to addressing themes relevant to Zimbabwean society have captivated audiences, sparking conversations about the future of animation in the country.
Innocent Mwapangira, the project supervisor and an exhibitor at the AV Expo, said LSU is committed to fostering innovation and industrializing creative skills for national development.
“Lupane State University is dedicated to being a forerunner in generating knowledge and skills that can be industrialized for the economic growth of our country,” Mwapangira said.
“Projects like Luveve’s Shadow demonstrate how academic research and creative practice can merge to produce work that not only educates but also entertains and inspires,” he added.
The success of Luveve’s Shadow at the AV Expo underscores LSU’s growing influence in media education and its role in equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills.
The AV Expo 2025 has provided a platform for academic institutions and industry players to come together and showcase their work, driving innovation and collaboration in the media and technology sectors.
Running from July 8 to 10, the expo has firmly established itself as Zimbabwe’s premier platform for the convergence of audio-visual technology and entertainment.
