THE Lupane State University’s (LSU) media department last week made bold strides at the AV Expo 2025 with a forward-looking display that bridges the gap between the academia and industry, demonstrating how home-grown education can be a catalyst for media growth.
AV Expo is an annual trade showcase focused on audio-visual technology and services.
It features product exhibition alongside educational programmes covering various aspects of the AV industry, including professional audio, broadcast, rigging, lighting, post-production and live event technologies.
This year’s event ran from July 8 to 10 at the Exhibition Park, Show Grounds in Harare.
Luveve’s Shadow, an experimental 3D animated short film by the institution’s 4th-year student, Prince Ngwenya, garnered notable attention among the featured works.
The short film is about Thabo’s mother suffering from cholera in Luveve and the son seeks work from a powerful businessman to be able to pay for her treatment.
The businessman frames Thabo for the contaminated of the town’s water to cover up his illegal activities, with help from his uncle in the police force, Thabo exposes the real culprit and fights for justice.
“Crafted as part of Ngwenya’s creative dissertation, the film boldly experiments with 3D software in a local setting, offering a striking narrative and visual style that many say challenges norms in Zimbabwean filmmaking,” Innocent Mwapangira, supervisor of Luveve’s Shadow and LSU lecturer, said.
- Lupane University shines at AV Expo 2025
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“At LSU, we are committed to being a forerunner in generating knowledge and skills that can be industrialised for the economic development of Zimbabwe. Through programmes like these, students are creating work that resonates far beyond the classroom,” he said.
Mwapangira said LSU’s participation at AV Expo exemplified what was possible when academia embraced practical engagement.
“The films, broadcasts and research outputs all highlight a new generation of media practitioners rooted in local experience but ready to play on the global stage.”
Meanwhile, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe chief executive Napoleon Nyanhi and Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services deputy minister Omphile Marupi were impressed by the university's efforts in skills training.
In May, the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce awarded the institution for its commitment to excellence and innovation, solidifying its reputation as a leader in innovation in the country.
