Mugabe and the White African

 

Mugabe and the White African delivers an emotive insight into the effects of Zimbabwe leader Robert Mugabe’s land acquisition policy. The documentary follows Mike Campbell, a farmer determined to fight to remain on his land, as he takes his case to the international court, all the while being under constant threat of violent eviction. The bravery of the family at the centre of the film is nothing short of remarkable making this a tale of human endeavour as much as a document of the devastating impact of a corrupt government. The directors (who were mostly filming in secret due to international media being banned from the country) capture some remarkable footage, including one chilling exchange between Campbell and the son of a local government minister. The hate-filled tirade that is directed at Campbell encapsulates in a single take the complex and chaotic state of the country and the bitter emotions involved. This is gripping and important documentary-making – highly recommended.