UK-based Zimbabwean filmmaker Runyararo Mapfumo is among the Stars of Tomorrow 2022 list, a prestigious annual showcase of the UK and Ireland’s most exciting young actors, directors, writers, producers and heads of department. The showcase is sponsored by Prime Video and revealed by Screen International. "Each year I comb over this list and celebrate artists whose work I admire - some that I’m fortunate to know. Happy to be a part of it this year. Thanks to Screen International for recognizing me as a Star of Tomorrow." she says in an Instagram post.
Runyararo Mapfumo is currently in serious demand on the back of a stint directing episodes for season three of Netflix’s Sex Education. She was picked up by Netflix producers after seeing her eclectic range of short films, in particular the BBC/Google Arts-backed Sensational Simmy!.
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| Runyararo Mapfumo Image by Peter Searle/Screen International |
Runyararo Mapfumo's filmmaking ambitions began as a teenager when she and her twin sister appeared as extras in Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix. “I was more interested in what was going on behind the camera. I wanted to do what David Yates was doing,” says Mapfumo, who went on to study film and visual effects at Sheffield Hallam University.
Runyararo Mapfumo is currently researching and writing her first feature film Darkness Descends, “a character study crossed with fantastical sci-fi”. The project is backed by Film4 and produced through her own DessyMak Productions, which she set up initially to develop her short films but is now a home for other talents too.
Established in 2004 to highlight young UK talent on the verge of breaking through internationally Stars of Tomorrow has now become an institution. Visit Screen Daily to check out the entire 2022 UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow list