Sunday, October 05, 2014

Zimbabwe Vice-President Mujuru Applauds African Filmmakers
Republic of Zimbabwe Vice-President Joice Mujuru.
October 6, 2014
Brenda Phiri
Herald Reporter

Vice President Dr Joice Mujuru yesterday applauded Zimbabwean filmmakers for taking the lead in telling the true African story from an African perspective. She was speaking during the screening of a documentary, “Camarada Presidente”, which depicts the life and death of the late Mozambican president Cde Samora Moises Machel at the 16th edition of the Zimbabwe International Film Festival in Harare last night.

The screening was graced by Cde Machel’s widow Graça and daughter Josina.

“I am glad that the ZIFF with the theme Universal African recognised the need to tell the African story, using Africa’s great people, our great leaders like Comrade Samora Machel,” said Dr Mujuru.

“Quality films on such African personalities will ensure a larger share of the continent’s film making space.”

Dr Mujuru said while such stories where sensitive, they were not meant to remind the people of the losses, but the gains that came through the sacrifices.

“The documentary ‘Camarada Presidente’ is not here to remind us of the tragic and painful loss, but should inspire us to positively reflect and celebrate the worthy life of Comrade Samora Machel,” she said.

“Let this documentary serve its rightful purpose to educate our people both young and old on the value of nationhood, why other people sacrificed even their lives for it.”

Mrs Graça Machel said she was elated that the first film on the life of her late husband was documented by Zimbabweans, a reflection of the ties between the two countries’ liberation movements.

“It is the first film which is so comprehensive and it is appropriate that it is a Zimbabwean who made this film,” she said. “It is my wish there will be someone to document the strong relationship between Zanu and Frelimo.”

Mrs Graça Machel said this was crucial to ensure the young generation knew their liberation history and also to ensure that past mistakes were never repeated.

The film, which was done by Mosco Kamwendo, documents Cde Machel’s struggles before, during and after the independence of his country and the internal conflicts with Renamo induced by foreign powers.

It also shows his efforts to bring peace to neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe, South Africa, Angola and Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cde Machel and 33 government officials and crew who were on their way from a Frontline States meeting in Lusaka, Zambia, died on October 19, 1986 when his plane crashed into the Lebombo Mountains in South Africa.

It is believed that apartheid South Africa masterminded the tragedy.

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