2026 Intake Now Open | Classes Begin Aug 12, 2026 | Limited Seats Available | Enroll From $500
Zimbabwe's Most
Immersive Film Program
4 months. Real sets. Netflix-certified equipment. A portfolio that gets you hired and a graduation night at Ster Kinekor movie cinema.
Who We Are
We Don't Teach Filmmaking.
We Do It.
Dream Hous Pictures Academy is a working production studio that happens to train the next generation of African filmmakers. From day one, you are on set — writing, shooting, directing, and editing real productions with professional equipment.
"We don't just teach filmmaking — we empower professionals."
— Jonathan Samukange, Founder & CEO
NETFLIX-Certified Equipment
You'll train on the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2, the same camera used in professional Netflix productions globally. As well as DJI Drones and Gimbals, RODE sound capture, Davinci Resolve studio and After Effects.
Award-Winning Track Record
Student films have screened at the Zimbabwe Annual Film & TV Awards, NAMA Awards, ZIM HIP-HOP Awards, BIOSKOP European Film Festival Zimbabwe!, and the Egyptian American Film Festival.
Ster Kinekor Graduation Screening
Your final film screens at Ster Kinekor in front of a live audience, just like a real premiere.
Founded by award-winning filmmaker Jonathan Samukange, DHPA has produced festival-winning films, hosted Zimbabwe's only student film awards show, and graduated students who are actively building careers in the industry.
Choose Your Course
Class 01 · Master Class
Screenwriting, Film Producing & Director's Craft
Write it. Produce it. Direct it. Own it.
The ultimate creative trifecta. In 16 weeks you'll craft professional scripts, run full productions, and command your vision from concept to final cut — across short films, music videos, commercials, and documentaries.
⚠ Only 8 Seats Available
One class per student. 4 months. Unlimited potential. Pick the discipline that matches your passion.
Master three-act structure, story circle & log-lines that sell
Script formats for film, TV, commercials & music videos
Budget, crowdfund & manage full production crews
Direct actors using Hollywood-grade tactics
Adapt your vision across 5 different production formats
Submit final project to local & international festivals
Graduation Portfolio
5 polished scripts · 5 produced films · A director's reel that gets you hired.
$1,450
Full cash price · Save $300 vs. payment plan
Payment plan: $550 to enroll, then $300/month × 4 = $1,750 total
Class 02 · Cinematography
Cinematography & Videography Intensive
Light it. Frame it. Own it.
⚠ Only 16 Seats Available
Become the visual storyteller every director needs. Over 16 weeks you'll execute 48 hands-on projects, mastering cameras like the Blackmagic Cinema and develop a reel that showcases you across every genre.
Advanced lighting with cinema lights, modifiers & natural light
Operate Blackmagic, Canon & RED Cinema cameras
Dynamic framing, gimbals, dollies & drone cinematography
Color grading with DaVinci Resolve & LUTs
Commercial, narrative & documentary videography
Export to broadcast, streaming & festival specs
Graduation Portfolio
36+ polished projects · 3 festival-ready short films · Full competitive reel
$1,250
Full cash price · Save $250 vs. payment plan
Payment plan: $500 to enroll, then $250/month × 4 = $1,500 total
Class 03 · Post-Production
Digital Editing & Visual Effects Intensive
Raw footage in. Masterpiece out.
⚠ Only 8 Seats Available
Post-production is where stories are truly made. In 16 weeks you'll refine 30+ projects using DaVinci Resolve 20, Adobe After Effects, and AI-driven tools, and screen your final film at Ster Kinekor in front of a live audience.
Master DaVinci Resolve 20 — cuts, transitions & pacing
Cinematic color grading, LUTs & HDR techniques
VFX compositing, green screen & AI-driven object removal
Motion graphics & dynamic titles in After Effects
Professional sound design, Foley & spatial mixing
Partner with cinematography students on real productions
Graduation Portfolio
5 standout projects: short film · commercial · music video with VFX · a reel that gets you hired.
$1,250
Full cash price · Save $250 vs. payment plan
Payment plan: $500 to enroll, then $250/month × 4 = $1,500 total
Class 1 · Monthly Plan
Start your journey with as little as $500 down, then spread the balance over 4 months.
To Enroll (Registration + Equipment + First Tuition)$550
4 Monthly payments of $300/mo
Total on Plan $1,750
Cash price$1,450 (save $300)
Invest In Your Future
Fees & Flexible Payment
Class 2 & 3 · Monthly Plan
Start your journey with as little as $500 down, then spread the balance over 4 months.
To Enroll (Registration + Equipment + First Tuition)$500
4 Monthly payments of $250/mo
Total on Plan$1,500
Cash price$1,250 (save $250)
Start with as little as $500. Monthly payment plans available on request. Walk in to 24 East Road, Belgravia, Harare to complete your registration. Call us or WhatsApp on +263 787 506 443.
Learn From Someone Who's Done It.
Your Academy Founder
Jonathan Samukange — known in the industry as DYREKTAO — is a multi-award winning Zimbabwean filmmaker, director, and creative entrepreneur behind Dream Hous Pictures.
His films have won Best Short Film at the Zimbabwe Annual Film & Television Awards, screened at the Egyptian American Film Festival, and earned nominations at BIOSKOP! Zimbabwe Short Film Competition. His most recent production, PEGGY, earned four finalist nominations at BIOSKOP! 2025 including Best Narrative Film.
At DHPA, Jonathan brings every lesson from the real world directly into the classroom — or rather, directly onto the set. You won't just learn theory. You'll shoot alongside a filmmaker who has been on the awards circuit and built a production company from the ground up in Zimbabwe.
Alumni Stories
Real Students. Real Careers.
Lighting and editing changed my craft. Before DHP Academy I made basic TikToks. Now I’m a lead cinematographer/director traveling worldwide to shoot major events. DHP boosted my confidence and skills in editing, lighting, and directing—turning a creative kid into a pro.
I directed for ZimPraise at a festival of over 500k people, planning stage, lighting, choreography, and cinematic visuals to make the show feel like a movie.
If you’re considering DHP Academy, don’t hesitate. Your drive to create will push you to enroll. DHP supports and challenges you—progress comes from the sacrifices you’re willing to make. No rest before work.
Joelah T. Madziyire, Cinematography Grad 2025
Before DHP Academy, I was a church girl with a passion for media — running sound, live streaming, telling stories. But playing small. Now I edit and run my own podcast, 20s Unapologetic. I don't just show up on set, I shape it — lighting, setup, creative direction, I understand the full picture. DHP Academy didn't just teach me how to shoot and edit. It trained me to walk into rooms, pitch ideas, and own my space without second-guessing. The biggest shift? I stopped being 'interested in media' and became someone who belongs in the industry.
Makanaka Mushowani, Cinematography, Digital Editing Grad 2025
Before DHP Academy I sold blankets at Copacabana and carried gear for photographers. Now I'm lead cinematographer/photographer for the Zimbabwe Golf Association, and I’ve worked with Golf Africa (UK), Total Energies, and Home & Styles. I’ve directed music videos for Caphonic Records (France) with over 5K YouTube views. DHP Academy taught me DaVinci Resolve, color grading, cinematography, lighting, Blackmagic cameras, gimbal work, and client communication. It’s a family that levels you up. I went from nobody to the one behind the camera leading productions.
Tafadzwa Matipa, Cinematography, Directing, Digital Editing Grad 2024
Before DHP Academy, I had no direction — just shooting casually, no consistency, no plan. Now I'm shooting matric dances, weddings, graduations, and portraits as a paid professional. I've covered the SAFTAs and SASMA Awards. The skills that changed everything? Lighting and directing people — I can walk into any situation, set up a shot, and make clients feel natural and comfortable. Since graduating, there hasn't been a single month without paid work. I've relocated to South Africa and I'm building my own production company.
Terence Ndlovu Cinematography, Directing Grad 2022
Before DHP I was a high schooler shooting phone videos, dreaming of filmmaking. DHP Academy taught me directing, lighting, and — most importantly — the confidence to lead on set. Now I create commercials and social content and worked as Director of Photography on a Coca‑Cola Zimbabwe campaign, proof of how far I’ve come. DHP Academy is hands‑on from day one: you’re holding cameras and creating, not stuck in books. Don’t be nervous — chase your dream and trust yourself.
Allen Jenami, Directing, Cinematography Grad 2025
After finishing school, I was searching for direction in a world that doesn't always support creative careers. DHP gave me the foundation I needed in cinematography — and real opportunities followed. I've worked major events like Fiesta Fiesta and shot for established clients including Joina City. DHP is more than skill-building. It's where you find your creative community, grow your network, and build the confidence to walk onto any set or into any client meeting and deliver.
Kaitlyn Gwekwerere Cinematography, Digital Editing Grad 2022
Common Questions
Got Questions? We've Got Answers.
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No experience is required. DHPA accepts students of all backgrounds and ages. Our hands-on approach means you learn by doing from day one — no prior technical knowledge needed.
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Each student enrolls in one class per intake. This ensures you go deep into your discipline and graduate with a professional-level portfolio in that area.
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Students train on the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 (Netflix-certified), Cinema cameras, professional cinema lighting rigs, gimbals, drones, and industry-standard software including DaVinci Resolve 21, Adobe After Effects and various Ai tools.
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All classes are held in person at 24 East Road, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe. Productions also take place on location around Harare as part of real projects.
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Graduates screen their final films at Ster Kinekor movie theatre in front of a live audience. The program culminates in the Dream Hous Pictures Academy Awards, a Red Carpet event and televised ceremony that has attracted coverage from local news outlets.
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Visit us in person at 24 East Road, Belgravia, Harare. Pay your registration and equipment fees, complete your registration form, and your seat is secured. You can also call or WhatsApp us on +263 787 506 443 to discuss options before visiting.
Grab the Camera.
Grab Your Future.
2026 Intake — Now Open
32 seats. 3 disciplines. One decision that changes everything. Classes begin July 6, 2026.
AUG 12, 2026
Start Date
4 Months
Duration
From $500
To Enroll
32 Total
Seats Available
Visit us at 24 East Road, Belgravia, Harare · Call +263 787 506 443 · dhpfilmacademy.com