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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]

WHEN art and social justice converge, something special usually becomes the end product. This is the case with Matabeleland, a feature documentary by Zimbabwean director Nyasha Kadandara which is set to première at the CPH:DOX 2025 festival this month. 

CPH:DOX, also known as Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, is a Danish film festival focused on documentary films, held annually in Copenhagen, Denmark. Since 2008 it has been run by Copenhagen Film Festivals. This year’s CPH:DOX began on March 19 and will end on March 30.

Matabeleland not only aims to captivate global audiences but also carries a deeply personal narrative that resonates with many Zimbabweans, particularly in the context of recent initiatives for trauma reparative engagement in the Matabeleland region.

As Zimbabwe grapples with its past, Matabeleland arrives at a pivotal moment. The film’s première comes just one year after President Mnangagwa launched a local initiative to address the wounds of the Gukurahundi post-independence conflict, making its themes of healing and reconciliation even more timely and relevant. 

Kadandara’s film challenges viewers to look beyond the stereotypes often associated with Zimbabwe, offering a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and the human experience.

“This film presents a nuanced and deeply personal perspective on a misunderstood region. Through Chris’ story, I hope Zimbabweans can reflect on our history, recognising in his struggles, a mirror of our collective trauma and resilience — especially for those from Matabeleland, who have long felt unheard,” Kadandara told Chronicle Showbiz.

At the heart of Matabeleland is the journey of Chris Nyathi, a Zimbabwean immigrant in Botswana who believes his family is cursed by the unresolved spirit of his father, a victim of past violence. As he navigates the complexities of love, responsibility and generational trauma, Chris embarks on a deeply personal quest for closure. The film beautifully encapsulates the weight of manhood, the expectations that come with it, and the unyielding hope for redemption.

In a world where political landscapes are shifting, Chris sees a window of opportunity to secure his father’s burial — an act that symbolises not only a release from familial burdens, but also a pivotal moment in his relationship with his girlfriend. Their love story offers warmth and solace amid the chaos surrounding them, highlighting the delicate balance between personal desires and familial duties.

Produced by the acclaimed LBx Africa, known for award-winning documentaries such as Softie (Sundance 2020) and No Simple Way Home (Berlinale 2022), Matabeleland exemplifies a Pan-African collaboration that brings urgent, yet intimate narratives to the forefront.

Kadandara’s unique perspective as a Shona filmmaker born in Bulawayo allows her to navigate the historical tensions between the Ndebele and Shona peoples with compassion and insight. Her storytelling serves as a bridge, guiding audiences through a journey of understanding and reconciliation. In doing so, Matabeleland invites viewers to reflect on their own identities and the shared histories that bind us.

At its core, Matabeleland also addresses the realities of migration — a theme that resonates deeply in the lives of many Zimbabweans today. Chris’ journey back home from Botswana encapsulates the challenges faced by families separated by borders, revealing the complexities of love and survival in a globalised world. The film counters the often xenophobic narratives surrounding migration, instead portraying a rich tapestry of community integration and resilience.

As Matabeleland premières at CPH:DOX, it opens critical conversations about restorative justice, collective memory, and the courage it takes to confront our past. Through Chris Nyathi’s journey, the film encapsulates the enduring love that binds generations, urging viewers to reflect on their own stories of trauma, healing and hope. — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu