As I did research for the article on the challenges that HIFA faces I came up with more material- as often happens- than I could use in one piece. Some I put aside for future use. Some, like this interview with HIFA Founder and Artistic Director Manuel Bagorro, I felt had to be used straight away, as its own article.

I hope it addresses some of the questions and concerns that artists and arts lovers have expressed.

- Fungai Tichawangana

^ Manuel Bagorro with Alick Macheso, HIFA 2009.

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Over the years, what have been the major hurdles faced in producing a huge international festival in preGNU Zimbabwe?

HIFA has faced the same challenges as every other Zimbabwean arts organisation over the last few years. The pre-dollarisation economic turmoil made budgeting or any kind of financial planning near impossible. Zimbabwean artists struggled to keep going (although, many managed to continue to produce amazing work!) which impacted on our artistic plans.

Visiting artists were unsure whether they would come until the last minute and demanded constant reassurance about their personal safety at what was perceived outside the country as a volatile and dangerous time for visitors to Zimbabwe.

What would you say were the biggest challenges you faced producing this year's HIFA (2009)?

Since dollarisation, skyrocketing costs have been a serious threat to our financial feasibility. The difficulties facing the local corporate community meant that despite their feelings of goodwill towards HIFA, some were not able to support to the same level as previous years if at all.

It was only through the monumental efforts of the Executive Director, Maria Wilson, that the Festival had sufficient funding to happen this year. The involvement of Embassies and international donor agencies was crucial for our survival in our toughest financial year yet. They have continued to be very supportive of the HIFA team's efforts and our objectives. 


There have been claims by some local artists that HIFA does not represent their interests and does not treat them with the same respect as it does international artists. Your view on this?

Zimbabwean artists are absolutely central to both the identity and special character of HIFA. The Festival is an OPPORTUNITY for all Zimbabwean artists; the international aspect of this Festival offers so many additional benefits. First there are all the training and networking opportunities which are in the interests of everyone involved in the arts in Zimbabwe. Visiting lighting and sound specialists from UK, France and South Africa offered an opportunity for HIFA technical teams to benefit from their skills and experience in workshops and training sessions.

HIFA together with British Council, and Young Vic (London) again presented HIFA-Direct, an initiative that nurtures young theatre directors, writers, designers and actors and has achieved thrilling artistic successes over the last 2 years, leading to invitations for productions to tour internationally.

Similarly in the area of dance, choreographer Fernando Hurtado supported by the Spanish Embassy worked over a period of several weeks on a new full-length piece with the students of the Dance Foundation Course. 

As always, the opening of HIFA on Main Stage, as well as the closing this year, involved many local and international participants from all disciplines in a collaborative process that offered important skills exchange opportunities for so many local artists.

There were also many professional development opportunities for local arts entrepreneurs and managers - the National Arts Council of South Africa, Arterial Network and African Arts Institute partnered with HIFA to host a two-day workshop on arts marketing during the Festival. This significant initiative brought 25 arts professionals from 8 southern African countries (Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and Angola) together for the workshop which offered potentially invaluable opportunities for networking and professional development.

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