Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IN a major boost for film enthusiasts in Harare and surrounding areas, the GlobUs Film Club, powered by the Russian Embassy, recently treated 30 guests to a screening of The Last Warrior.
The initiative seeks to promote cultural exchange between Zimbabwe and Russia through the power of cinema, giving local audiences an opportunity to experience Russian storytelling and explore the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The screening came at a time when interest in film and other forms of visual storytelling continues to grow locally, with audiences increasingly seeking diverse productions from different parts of the world.
The event also provided an opportunity for guests to engage with a different cinematic tradition while strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
In a statement, organisers described the screening as an eye-opening experience that set the tone for more film productions and cultural exchange initiatives in the future.
“On September 20, the GlobUs International Association held the first screening of its film club in Harare. Around 30 guests — local residents and friends of the association — watched The Last Warrior and held a discussion about the film afterwards.
“A key highlight was the post-screening discussion on the similarities and differences between our cultures,” reads part of the statement.
In addition to shared traditional values, club members spoke about the role of totems within families.
“Of course, young people today have somewhat reinterpreted these traditions. While strictly refraining from eating the meat of one’s totem animal was once the rule, that is changing now. Yet we still honour family customs and treat our lineage and totems with respect, refusing to let that part of us be taken away,” said one of the guests.
During the discussions, participants noted that despite differences in languages and fairy tales, there was a shared desire to understand and appreciate one another’s cultures.
Event organisers, who successfully staged their first screening in Harare, described the gathering as a happy and friendly occasion that brought people together through the universal language of cinema.
The screening also highlighted the potential of film to create platforms for cultural dialogue, particularly among young people, while exposing local audiences to stories and traditions from other parts of the world.
