Mugabe and the White African, a British made theatrical documentary from Arturi Films, will premiere at the 2009 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (30 April -10 May 2009). The film shot covertly in Zimbabwe in 2008 tells the story of a white farmer Mike Campbell, who takes Mugabe to court for racism and wins his case despite intimidation, threats and violence against him, his family and the 500 Black workers and their families who share life on the farm.
The film from British producers David Pearson and Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock is directed by Lucy Bailey and Andrew Thompson and is an Arturi Films production in association with Explore Films, the Film Agency Wales and Molinare Productions. It already has a television pre-sale to Channel 4’s More 4.
The film charts one man’s fight in a year in which Zimbabwe collapses into political violence, starvation and cholera. After Mugabe’s discredited elections, and the abduction and torture of Campbell and his family by Zanu PF for daring to challenge Mugabe’s land confiscation programme, Campbell finally wins his case against Mugabe amid scenes of huge emotion.
Producer David Pearson (a BAFTA nominated documentary director and Festival Director of the international Screenwriters’ Festival) said, “We follow Mike’s unique challenge to President Mugabe across the last year, as he takes Mugabe to court, accusing him of racism and violation of his Human Rights. Mike and his son-in law Ben Freeth stand ready to protect their farm, and their life’s work at any cost.” Adds Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock, “It‘s an extraordinary account of surviving, and the film reveals the devastating consequences of Mugabe’s illegal land reform for black and white Zimbabweans.”
The court case was finally heard in July after months of delays brought on by Mugabe’s defense team. Just before the final court session Campbell, his wife Angela, and Freeth were ambushed, abducted and tortured in July by Zanu PF supporters and left by the side of a road with serious injuries. Miraculously Freeth attended court in a wheelchair, and Campbell won his case on all counts and was present in court for the judgment, where Zimbabwe’s land reform programme was pronounced illegal.
‘For 12 months the film crew were with us cheek by jowl, we were so pleased they were able to film the final judgment. It’s going to be wonderful for the rest of the world to see what’s gone on,” said Freeth. Directors Lucy Bailey and Andrew Thompson said, “Mike and Ben have such incredible strength of character, the ordeals they’ve been through are unimaginable. It’s been real a privilege to film them throughout their battle for justice.”
Mugabe and the White African will be presented in the International Spectrum programme, which is the official competition for International productions and is also eligible for the Audience Award. Sean Farnel, Director of Programming, Hot Docs said, “We’re thrilled to have an opportunity to present Mugabe and the White African.”
