If you get the chance to see this film - make sure you take it!
The film, which documents the bold struggle for justice in Zimbabwe on the part of some of my wider family, has already won a number of awards and is currently short-listed (final 15) for the Oscar Academy Award Nomination. (It's that good!).
Here's the synopsis -
Michael Campbell is one of a handful of white farmers still left in Zimbabwe since President Robert Mugabe began enforcing his controversial land seizure program, an initiative intended to reclaim white-owned land and redistribute it to poor black Zimbabweans.
Since 2000, formerly thriving farms that employed thousands, now sit derelict while poverty and hunger are rife amongst the majority of the country's citizens; but 74-year-old Mike refuses to back down.
Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 2008 presidential election, 'Mugabe and the White African' follows Mike and son-in-law Ben Freeth's harrowing attempt to take Mugabe to an international court for racism and violation of their human rights.
The film, which documents the bold struggle for justice in Zimbabwe on the part of some of my wider family, has already won a number of awards and is currently short-listed (final 15) for the Oscar Academy Award Nomination. (It's that good!).
Here's the synopsis -
Michael Campbell is one of a handful of white farmers still left in Zimbabwe since President Robert Mugabe began enforcing his controversial land seizure program, an initiative intended to reclaim white-owned land and redistribute it to poor black Zimbabweans.
Since 2000, formerly thriving farms that employed thousands, now sit derelict while poverty and hunger are rife amongst the majority of the country's citizens; but 74-year-old Mike refuses to back down.
Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 2008 presidential election, 'Mugabe and the White African' follows Mike and son-in-law Ben Freeth's harrowing attempt to take Mugabe to an international court for racism and violation of their human rights.
It is an unprecedented case, upon which rests not only Mike and his family's future, but also the future of millions of ordinary Zimbabweans who continue to suffer at the hands of one of the world’s most infamous tyrants.
The directors of the film underline - “This is a really important film for Zimbabwe and perhaps the only insight into what is going on inside that country today.”
If you're in or around London, two cinemas there are showing the film as follows:
The Empire Leicester Square
8th - 14th January
ICA http://www.ica.org.uk/
ICA http://www.ica.org.uk/
8th - 21st January
It's also being shown in Edinburgh at The Film House between today (8th January) and Monday (11th January). http://www.filmhousecinema.com/
It's also being shown in Edinburgh at The Film House between today (8th January) and Monday (11th January). http://www.filmhousecinema.com/
They don't have a marketing budget, so publicity depends on word of mouth.
'Time Out' called it “Surely one of the best documentaries of the year.”
'Empire' magazine described it as "Compelling, nerve shattering, tremendously moving cinema.”
When it was shown at the BFI in October it received two standing ovations.
I mean, when did you last see a film where that happened?
Go on, make sure you see it!
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2 comments:
Bet you didn't expect to walk into Filmhouse and be served by someone who reads your blog!
We continued at cross purposes as I assumed you were going to see The Road. When I checked out today's update it all became clear. Hope you enjoyed the film.
Keep up the blogging - I enjoy the read.
Cheers
Allan
You're right, Allan!
I've read the book, 'The Road', so I may try and take the chance to see that too.
Not sure that 'emjoyed' is the word I'd use about the film. More in the blog in a moment. Haven't had as many tears in my eyes for a while!
Glad to know you read and enjoy the blog anyway. And nice to have a warm and smiling face at the desk!
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