When Robert Mugabe was removed from power, Zimbabwe 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, the Zimbabwe African National Union–Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF), which has controlled Zimbabwe since independence, is the young and charismatic Nelson Chamisa and the opposition, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance. After decades of a corrupt group clinging to power using any tool available—legal or not—can a free, fair, and transparent election be truly possible?
Director Camilla Nielsson is in familiar territory with this follow-up to her wildly acclaimed documentary Democrats (2014), which followed the political battle to establish Zimbabwe’s first democratic constitution. Nielsson once again brings viewers into the heart of the struggle for power 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 universal.
Synopsis :
Zimbabwe is at a crossroads. The leader of the opposition MDC party, Nelson Chamisa, challenges the old guard ZANU-PF led by Emmerson Mnangagwa, known as "The Crocodile." The election tests both the ruling party and the opposition.
President (Denmark/U.S.A./Norway)
Directed by Camilla Nielsson
Produced by Signe Byrge Sørensen, Joslyn Barnes
Executive Producers : Susan Rockefeller, Danny Glover
Co-Producers : Anne Köhncke, Anita Rehoff Larsen
Music by Jonas Colstrup
Cinematography : Henrik Bohn Ipsen
Sound Designer : Håkon Lammetun
Color Grader : Tom Chr. Lilletvedt
Post-Producers : Francesc Sitges-Sardà, Maria Kristesen
Edited by Jeppe Bødskov
Distributed by Cinephill
Release date : January 29, 2021 (Sundance)
Running time : 130 minutes
Premiere : jan. 29 - 6:00pm // Second screening : jan. 31 - 4:00pm (local time)
(Source : press release)