Matabeleland to Premiere at CPH:DOX 2025 in Copenhagen

Matabeleland, the debut independent feature documentary by Zimbabwean director Nyasha Kadandara, will have its world premiere at Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival CPH:DOX 2025 this March. The film, a deeply personal exploration of masculinity and generational trauma, took seven years to film across Zimbabwe and Botswana, capturing an intimate and complex story that resonates across Southern Africa and beyond.

“This film offers a nuanced, deeply personal perspective on a misunderstood region, presenting Zimbabwe beyond the usual focus on politics or the ever-struggling economy. Through Chris’s story, I hope Zimbabweans can confront our history, seeing in his struggles a mirror of our collective trauma and resilience, particularly for those from Matabeleland who have long felt unseen.”

– Nyasha Kadandara

A Story of Love, Spirits, and the Weight of Manhood

Set in the shadow of a painful and silenced past, Matabeleland follows Chris Nyathi, a Zimbabwean immigrant in Botswana, who believes his family is cursed. Haunted by the unburied spirit of his father, a victim of past violence, Chris embarks on a deeply personal journey to break the cycle of misfortune and find closure. Caught between his responsibilities as the head of his family and the demands of his own life, Chris struggles with an unstable job and the growing expectations of his younger girlfriend, Dumi. While Dumi loves him, she warns that their relationship can only continue if he commits to marriage—something he has always resisted. Their relationship offers a warm solace amid the chaos that surrounds them.

As Zimbabwe undergoes a historic political shift, Chris sees a chance to finally secure his father’s burial, an act he hopes will not only free his family from its troubled past but also determine the future of his relationship with Dumi.

A Pan-African Collaboration

Directed by Nyasha Kadandara, Matabeleland is produced by acclaimed production company LBx Africa, known for the award-winning documentaries Softie (Sundance 2020), No Simple Way Home (Berlinale 2022), and Free Money (TIFF 2022). The collaboration between Zimbabwe and Kenya highlights a Pan-African storytelling approach, bringing an urgent yet intimate narrative to life. The film balances the weight of generational trauma with warm, deeply human moments, making its themes of love, faith, masculinity, and belonging universally relatable.

A Personal and Cultural Reconciliation

Amidst the decades-long tension between the Ndebele and Shona people of Zimbabwe, Matabeleland takes on a unique, deeply personal perspective. Directed by Nyasha Kadandara, a young Shona filmmaker born in Bulawayo, the film captures the complex nuances of identity, belonging, and reconciliation. As someone who straddles both worlds, Kadandara brings a thoughtful, insider’s view to a story rooted in the history of her own dual origins. Her storytelling lens bridges the divide, guiding audiences through a journey of understanding and healing.

Migration and the Reality of Zimbabwean Lives

At the heart of Matabeleland is Chris’s journey back home from Botswana to address the trauma that has haunted him for decades. His experience reflects the impact of migration on Zimbabwean families and relationships, revealing the intricate realities of finding love and building a life across borders. The film challenges the often-reported xenophobic narrative by offering a more nuanced portrayal of migration, community integration, and survival. As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with its past, the story resonates with countless Zimbabweans who have had to navigate life away from home.

Premiere at CPH:DOX and Global Conversations

As Matabeleland makes its world premiere at CPH:DOX, it opens up critical conversations about restorative justice, collective memory, and what it means to confront the past. At the heart of the film is Chris Nyathi, whose journey reflects the resilience and enduring love that binds generations across borders.

The film’s premiere in Denmark comes just a year after the Zimbabwean government launched a local initiative for trauma reparative engagement in the Matabeleland region, making it especially timely and relevant. As the film represents the continent on a global stage, it challenges viewers to rethink Zimbabwe’s story beyond stereotypes, offering a profound exploration of identity and resilience.