Online Reporter
Laura Maposa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Local film and television director Nyasha Kadandara is working on launching his debut independent feature documentary, entitled, ‘Matabeleland.’
Kadandara, a young filmmaker born in Bulawayo, said the film captures the complex nuances of identity, belonging, and reconciliation.
In an interview, Kandara said the film, is a deeply personal exploration of masculinity and generational trauma and it took him seven years to film.
“The documentary has been shot across Zimbabwe and Botswana, capturing an intimate and complex story that resonates across Southern Africa and beyond.
“As the film represents the continent on a global stage, it challenges viewers to Zimbabwe’s story beyond stereotypes, offering a profound exploration of identity and resilient.”
“The film, a deeply personal exploration of masculinity and generational trauma, took seven years to film across Zimbabwe and Botswana, capturing an intimate and complex story that resonates across Southern Africa and beyond,” she explained.
Kandara said “Matabeleland’ follows Chris Nyathi, a Zimbabwean immigrant in Botswana, who believes his family is cursed.
“Haunted by the unburied spirit of his father, a victim of past violence, Chris embarks on a deeply personal journey to break the cycle of misfortune and find closure.”
“Caught between his responsibilities as the head of his family, supporting a sprawling family of his own, and the demands of his own life, Chris struggles with an unstable job and the growing expectations of his younger girlfriend, Dumi.”
She added:
“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.”
“The collaboration between Zimbabwe and Kenya highlights a Pan-African storytelling approach, bringing an urgent yet intimate narrative to life.
“The film balances the weight of generational trauma with warm, deeply human moments, making its themes of love, faith, masculinity, and belonging universally relatable.”
