"I'm one of those torn between belief in our traditions and the practical realization that Zimbabwe--and myself--can never go forward if we continue to believe in tradition." This is a quote from Dumbudzo Marechera, a Zimbabwean writer, recently deceased, who was a living embodiment of the tension between African tradition and the ways of the Western world as influences on African writing. In this one-hour documentary, arguments from both sides of the fence are heard from such varied sources as Stanlake Sankage (a historian turned novelist), Charles Mungoshi (who focuses on the effects of industrialization and its concomitant breakdown of the family), and Bertha Murosa (a playwright who is advancing the cause of women writers in Africa.) In general, the older writers have been closely bound by tradition; while the younger writers have been highly critical of the existing society--with its problems of apartheid. The outspoken, and deeply emotional Marechera, tragically encompasses all of the frustration and anger of his contemporaries. Expelled from Oxford, Marechera returned to his native Zimbabwe, following the governmental overthrow in 1980. What he saw and recorded in his work, was a nation trying to rebuild itself out of the discordant political strains that constitute independent Zimbabwe. A discordance that is documented here in the work of her writers. Although quite well done, this program--concentrating, as it does, on a handful of African writers--will have limited appeal to general audiences. It is, however, recommended for college and university libraries. (Available from: California Newsreel, 630 Natoma St., San Francisco CA 94103. As a special offer to libraries, California Newsreel is making any six titles in their Southern Africa Video Library available for $595. If Biko: Breaking the Silence is one of the selections, the price jumps to $695.)
After The Hunger And The Drought
(1988) 54 m. $195. California Newsreel. Public performance rights included. Vol. 3, Issue 10
After The Hunger And The Drought
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