Zimbabwean feature project "Black Snake," produced by Sue-Ellen Chitunya and directed by Naishe Nyamubaya, is the only African project listed among the 51 selected for the 2026 International Financing & Project Market at TIFF: The Market, the Toronto International Film Festival’s industry platform launching this year.
Presented by Ontario Creates, the programme brings together more than 50 established producers with international financiers, co-production partners and other industry decision-makers, with each participating project receiving at least six curated meetings.
In "Black Snake," a family is forced to confront their true cultural identity when a mysterious tree appears as they move to a rural village.
The project has previously been developed at the Red Sea Lodge, Film Independent's Global Media Makers residency and Fast Track finance market, Locarno Open Doors, and the Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab. It won a US$50,000 production award at the Red Sea Souk in December 2023 and CHF 25,000 at Locarno Open Doors in August 2025.
The 2026 TIFF: The Market selection comprises 40 feature films, six series, and five immersive or interactive projects; participating projects are also eligible for awards and additional visibility across its industry platforms.