Runyararo Mapfumo | Writer/Director

Runyararo Mapfumo | Writer/Director

Writer/Director Runyararo has had quite the journey through the industry up to now, from working in development right through to post production. She used these years of experience to simultaneously write and direct a series of well-received shorts. This landed her the exciting opportunity to direct episodes of season three’s Sex Education (2021), which secured her a BAFTA nomination for Emerging Talent: Fiction. A love for genre fiction has inspired her debut feature, currently in development with Film4 and her production company, DessyMak Productions – a futuristic science fiction film inspired by African mythology.

In her own words:

“I’ve always loved film and when I got an opportunity to be on a set for the first time, I saw the director working and interacting with the cast and crew in a way that really appealed to me. Once I’d learned more about the role, I knew that's what I wanted to do. I love collaborating with creatives from different disciplines and all working towards a singular vision. I had no idea how to get into the film

industry but I was really fortunate to have an encouraging mum and sister, who supported me...

“I would love to create work that has an impact on people. Storytelling is such a powerful tool and there are lots of ideas I’m interested in exploring... My taste is varied but I do love genre work. It explores themes that perhaps you are familiar with but from a new perspective, and it’s also really entertaining and exciting...

“I’ve kept my eye on [BAFTA Breakthrough] for a few years now. I’m really thrilled to be a part of it. I feel right now I have the time and space to utilise the opportunities it can give me... I stepped into longform this year, so it feels like another opportunity to learn and grow... And honestly, to be acknowledged by BAFTA is an honour. We spend so much time working that milestones like this are a really great way to remind you of the wins and the progress.”

Runyararo’s Breakthrough credit is Sex Education

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