ZIFF 2008 Opening Night

In the spirit of the opening film, Anthony played a well-received piece on an African drum at the beginning of the proceedings of the 11th edition of the Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF). Addressing the audience before the showing, Nakai Matema the Executive Director of ZIFF Trust thanked the sponsors, especially the international embassies, and all who had helped to make the event happen. Special thanks went to the US Embassy for bringing out the film as well as the lead actress, Danai Gurira who was introduced by Paul Englestad the embassy Public Affairs Officer.

The Visitor

This film, that was written and directed by actor Tom McCarthy, tries to give the hot political issue of illegal immmigration a human face. It could be called a North meets South story. Tarek (Danai Gurira)and Zainab (Haaz Sleiman) rent a flat in Manhattan and are shocked when Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins) comes to claim it as his own. It soon becomes obvious that the couple are victims of an unscrupulous real estate connection of theirs. Walter eventually, reluctantly, allows them to stay on with him. This leads to some cross-cultural bonding. Walter learns how to be a djembe drummer from Tarek. It all goes well until Tarek is arrested on a misunderstanding and is so discovered to be an illegal immigrant. Walter makes some radical life changes as he attempts to help his friend. The arrival of Mouna, Tarek's mother (Hiam Abass) in search of her son fans some romantic flames. The Visitor has the cliches that are usually attendant to similar tales but manages to win the heart of the viewer. It drew quite a few laughs from the audience.

Danai Gurira

The lead actress of The Visitor graced the occassion. Danai was born in the United States and raised in Zimbabwe. She is a graduate of Zimbabwe's Chipawo Arts Academy which is based in Harare. She has also graduated from New York University with a degree in acting.

Danai rose to fame when she acted in the play, In the Continuum, which was performed in Africa (notably HIFA 2006) as well as in the US. She co-wrote the play with her co-actress Nikkole Salter. In 2007, Gurira won the Helen Hayes Award for Best Actress in this play.

Dates and Venues

ZIFF will run from 5 to 14 September. The venues are the Elite 100 and the Vistarama in Avondale; the Zimbabwe Germany Society and Alliance Francaise in both Harare and Bulawayo; the Young Africa Skills Centre in Epworth and Chitungwiza, and Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton.

Find out more:

A Selection of Zimbabwean Short Films Shown at ZIFF 2008

ZIFF 2008 Awards

Walter and Tarek do some djembe drumming

Danai Gurira as Zainab in The Visitor

Walter Visits Turek in the Detention Centre

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