“Matabeleland”, a deeply personal and poignant documentary by Zimbabwean director Nyasha Kadandara, is set to make its world premiere at the prestigious CPH:DOX film festival in Denmark this March.
The film, which took seven years to produce across Zimbabwe and Botswana, delves into themes of masculinity, generational trauma, and the complexities of identity in Southern Africa.
The documentary follows Chris Nyathi, a Zimbabwean immigrant in Botswana, who believes his family is cursed due to the unburied spirit of his father, a victim of past violence.
As Zimbabwe undergoes a historic political shift, Chris embarks on a journey to secure his father’s burial, hoping to break the cycle of misfortune and find closure.
Along the way, the film explores his struggles with family responsibilities, an unstable job, and the growing expectations of his younger girlfriend, Dumi, who insists on marriage as a condition for their future together.
Director Nyasha Kadandara, a Shona filmmaker born in Bulawayo, brings a unique perspective to the story, bridging the divide between Zimbabwe’s Ndebele and Shona communities.
“This film offers a nuanced, deeply personal perspective on a misunderstood region,” Kadandara said.
“Through Chris’s story, I hope Zimbabweans can confront our history, seeing in his struggles a mirror of our collective trauma and resilience, particularly for those from Matabeleland who have long felt unseen.”
Produced by LBx Africa, the team behind award-winning documentaries such as ‘Softie’ and ‘No Simple Way Home’, ‘Matabeleland’ is a Pan-African collaboration that highlights the universal themes of love, faith, and belonging.
The film’s intimate portrayal of migration and its impact on Zimbabwean families challenges stereotypes, offering a more nuanced narrative of survival and community integration.
The premiere of ‘Matabeleland’ comes at a timely moment, as the Zimbabwean government recently launched an initiative for trauma reparative engagement in the Matabeleland region.
The film’s exploration of restorative justice and collective memory aligns with these efforts, making it a powerful contribution to both local and global conversations about healing and reconciliation.
“At the heart of the film is Chris Nyathi, whose journey reflects the resilience and enduring love that binds generations across borders,” said Kadandara.
“As the film represents the continent on a global stage, it challenges viewers to rethink Zimbabwe’s story beyond stereotypes, offering a profound exploration of identity and resilience.”
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