In celebration of Africa Day: A screening of ‘President’

To mark Africa Day (African Liberation Day) on 25 May 2022,Cinemateket, in collaboration with the Centre of African Studies at Copenhagen University, will be screening the award-winning documentary ‘President’, made by renowned Danish documentary filmmaker Camilla Nielsson. The film – which traces the dramatic electoral campaign in 2018 of Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa – will be followed by dialogue with the filmmaker and  Professor Amanda Hammar from the Centre of African Studies, and wider debate with the audience on the state of democracy in Zimbabwe and elsewhere on the African continent.

‘President’ is a documentary that follows the political dynamics in Zimbabwe shortly after the removal from power in late 2017 of Zimbabwe’s long-standing President, Robert Mugabe.  In this dramatic moment of potential transformation, Zimbabwe’s military leaders promised they would not seize control for themselves but would ensure democracy in a national election. Against a backdrop of economic crisis, food shortages, and political violence, the stakes could not be higher. Working to defeat the ruling party, which has controlled Zimbabwe since independence, is the young and charismatic Nelson Chamisa, who draws comparisons to a young Nelson Mandela in expressing the country’s utmost desire to be “led” and not “ruled”. After decades of a corrupt and embattled political and military elite clinging to power using any means available—legal or not—can a free, fair, and transparent election be truly possible? As the follow-up to her widely acclaimed film Democrats, Camilla Nielsson brings viewers into the heart of the struggle for power with stunningly close access and unhesitating courage, in a nation closely monitored by the entire world. ‘President’ is a riveting and epic reminder that, while individuals and their specific ideals may differ, the fight for democracy is never-ending and of profound significance everywhere.

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