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Director: Lucy Bailey and Andrew Thompson
Cinematography: Andrew Thompson
Print source: Arturi Films
itting at Blue Zoo , a restaurant in Durban’s Mitchell Park, basking in the warm winter sun awaiting the arrival of Ben Freeth one couldn’t help reflecting on the peace and tranquillity belying the anguish suffered by the Zimbabwean farming community. In fact, Ben was slightly delayed due to yet another murder – that of a close family friend.
‘Mugabe and the White African’ is the first film to come out of Zimbabwe in a decade and even this was shot covertly. If the cameramen had been caught there would most certainly have been retribution – a fate which Ben, Mike and his wife suffered at the hands of the militants.
“I remember my father-in-law signing the papers (as the plaintiff) formally challenging Robert Mugabe, Head of State (as the accused). (This was a historic moment) No-one had ever done this before. My eyes still water and I get quite emotional. There was no turning back – once the SADC Tribunal had decided to take the case we were already in deep water.
“Mike knew what he was signing could have been his death warrant.” In his mind there was no choice and this comes across very clearly in this gritty documentary which shows life in Zimbabwe as it is – without any Hollywood glitz or glamour. This is a movie which follows the lead up to the elections and the corresponding journey with the Tribunal.
“The film is an absolute Godsend,” says Ben, who maintains that this has been a journey of faith all the way – his family as well as the 500 people living on his farm. “We didn’t know what the outcome was going to be, but knew that ‘If good men do nothing, evil triumphs’ and there would be no future for anyone.”
“I am an African,” states Mike in the film, “a White African. I have nowhere else to go – Zimbabwe is my home!” And this, predominantly is what the action is all about as the current regime wants to remove all whites from the country. There are no human rights for any of the members of the populace – it’s a reign of terror… and if anyone stands up to be heard they will be beaten down.
“We had to make a stand,” says Ben, “and take the consequences. This is what God would have expected of us. Man can do things to people (there is the inclusion of shocking pictures of their beatings in the documentary), but not strip them of their faith. We have been stripped of our health (Mike hasn’t recovered well and is now predominantly bed-ridden), home (which was burnt to the ground despite a SADC order of protection), but not who we are… and my faith is even stronger.”
“There is a gradual awakening (however) to the injustices and the Zim Government has been held in contempt by SADC for acting outside the treaty. We have the court judgement in black and white – the court papers and judgments talk for themselves.”
It wasn’t an easy journey, as you will discover when you view 'Mugabe and the White African' – it took four journeys to Namibia while Mugabe’s lawyers prevaricated. Ultimately they were held in contempt of court. “Although it’s been frustratingly slow no one can argue with the process – which Mike won in all counts. However, Mugabe is still regarded as the father of a lot of independent movements in Africa and still receives standing ovations from some members of SADC. They don’t realise how the people have suffered – not just the white farmers, that is just a small part, but the Shona (a peace-loving nation) and the Matabele. Great injustice has been done. Over 700 000 people have had their homes bulldozed – it’s so very sad. We can’t capitulate … we have to believe there is a future.”
I’m not going to expound any further – the documentary has one more screening during the Durban Film Festival, namely, Saturday afternoon (31 July) at 4pm, but plans are underway to make the DVD available for screenings.
For further information contact Glyn Hunter on 082774 2284. |
