Network of African Designers

Shungu: The “resilience” of people has been selected for the 22nd edition of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, which will take place from November 19 – 29 2009. The documentary is the brain child of Saki Mafundikwa, the founder of Zimbabwe Institute of Vigital Arts (Ziva) and member of Network of Africa Designers (NAD).

Shungu is a compelling narrative of the strategies used by ordinary people in order to survive in Zimbabwe today. The documentary follows the political battle which affected most lives in Zimbabwe; their experience of optimism going into an unprecedented election; deadlock from the election results; widespread violence and intimidation; and then, the unity government.

The IDFA 2009 is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious documentary film festivals. This is Mafundikwa’s first film and it was shot under tight media restrictions by the Zimbabwean government. It reflects not only the SHUNGU “resilience” of the characters, but of the filmmaker as well who put his life in danger to give the voiceless masses a voice.

Saki said that the IDFA nomination means that there is a reward for hard work. He hopes the documentary will bring international attention to the plight of ordinary Zimbabweans who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering.

His message to all aspiring filmmakers in Africa is that the digital tools are enabling and if you have a good story to tell; good photography skills, you CAN make an award winning film.