Mugabe and the White African premieres tonight on many PBS stations. Check your local listings.
The award-winning film, co-directed by Lucy Bailey and Andrew Thompson and produced by David Pearson and Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock, tells an alarming story from one of the world’s most troubled nations. In Zimbabwe, de facto dictator Robert Mugabe has unleashed a “land reform” program aimed at driving whites from the country through violence and intimidation. One proud “white African,” however, has challenged Mugabe with human rights abuses under international law. The courage Michael Campbell and his family display as they defend their farm — in court and on the ground — makes for a film as inspiring as it is harrowing.
Here’s some of what top reviewers have said about Mugabe and the White African:
“Excellent, moving anti-racist documentary. The story unfolds in a way that is stirring and never less than riveting,” says Chris Tookey of the Daily Mail. “This is one of the most powerful documentaries I have ever seen.“
Ronnie Schieb of Variety calls the film, “A potent mix of suspense, pathos and indignation.”
The Guardian‘s Peter Bradshaw, says “This film is an unmissable portrait of courage under fire.“
Last week, in an interview with Hari Sreenivasan on PBS NewsHour, Ben Freeth (son-in-law of Mike Campbell) talked about the international court case at the center of the film, the land redistribution policy in Zimbabwe and the continuing struggle of Zimbabweans under Robert Mugabe’s rule. View the interview below:
Watch the full episode. See more PBS NewsHour.
POV’s 24th season continues Tuesday nights through September 27, concluding with a special broadcast on November 10. Keep up with the films at http://pbs.org/pov, on Twitter @povdocs or on Facebook.